A pensioner on Friday was charged in connection with handling objects that were stolen from Valletta's Grand Master's Palace.

Anthony (Tony) Stivala, 67, from Iklin, admitted to handling stolen property, knowing that the items were cultural property belonging to the government of Malta.

Police traced the items to his home on Thursday, finding them wrapped in towels and in "perfect condition", a court was told.

On Friday he pleaded guilty to the offence of handling stolen property, confirming his plea after being given ample time to reconsider. He was declared guilty and handed a two-year jail term suspended for four years. 

His defence lawyer declared that there would be no appeal. 

Stivala is the second person to be charged over the theft.

Last month, Ljubica Zivkovic, 52, from Serbia, denied charges of aggravated theft, unlawful possession of the cultural artefacts acquired illegally and breaching probation for similar offences.

Prosecuting Inspector Christina Delia informed the court that one of the four items allegedly stolen from the palace - a 20th-century vase worth some €300 - was still missing.