The names of the accused cannot be published by court order. One of them is 15 years old, three are 16, one is 18, another is 21, while the eldest one of the group is 22 years old. All are from San Gwann. Two of them are brothers.

Four of them were accused of stealing a handbag containing a number of objects including a Nokia mobile phone and cash to the detriment of a foreign woman. They were also accused of stealing various items to the detriment of a number of foreign women from different places in Malta. Among the items they stole were Olympus and Canon digital cameras, two Nokia mobile phones and a Siemens mobile phone.

Another two youths were accused of stealing a handbag containing a Nokia mobile phone and cash to the detriment of another foreign woman. The theft took place on 17 August at 12.30am in St Julian’s.

Another two youths were accused of stealing yet another handbag containing several objects including a Samsung mobile phone and cash. This theft took place on 24 August in Pembroke.

Two of the group were also accused of stealing another handbag from a foreign woman walking in Lapsi Street in St Julian’s. In her bag the woman had, among other items, a Sharp mobile phone and cash.

The youths all pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. They were heavily reprimanded by the magistrate who said that by their actions, the youths had given Malta a bad reputation.

He said he was giving them a chance to get their lives back in order. Moreover, he said, since most of them are still young and did not work, these crimes would not be listed on their criminal record so that they would not have any problems to find employment.

Four of the youths were given a one-year jail term suspended for one year while the other two – the youngest of the group – were placed on probation for a period of three years.

Magistrate Joseph Cassar presided over the court.

Police inspector Yvette Farrugia prosecuted while Dr Edward Gatt, Dr Joe Giglio and Dr Stefano Filletti appeared for the accused.