Mr Justice Anthony Ellul conditionally discharged Justin Farrugia for four years and ordered him to pay €9,000 to his employers, C. Camilleri and Sons Ltd, of Tal-Handaq, whom he robbed.

Farrugia, 20 of Cospicua, and an accomplice, pleaded guilty to stealing 746 bottles of wine, sugar, flour and other foodstuffs, which were sold to confectioners at half price. After the guilty plea the company started legal action to recover its money. It sought €11,159,89 but Mr Justice Ellul accepted Farrugia’s plea that the sum was €9,000.

Dr Veronique Dalli was defence counsel.