A 17-year-old boy was remanded in custody while a 20-year-old was given a probationary period of five years after the two broke into a woman's San Gwann residence on Sunday and stole her jewellery. They are both from San Gwann, the same locality the victim of the robbery resides.

To be precise, the 17-year-old, who is a relapser, is only a month away from turning 18. He pleaded not guilty while the 20 year old pleaded guilty.

The defence team of the 17-year-old requested that the court considers granting bail to the 17 year old boy but the court turned down the request, particularly because he lives in the vicinity of the victim.

Delivering a stern warning to the 20-year-old, Magistrate Ian Farrugia said that if he thinks this sentence means nothing he is mistaken.

"Your case is not closed yet and if you go out of line during the next three years, starting from today, you are in deep water; the law permits me to throw you in jail for five years.

"You will abide by the rules of the probation order; make sure the probation officer does not issue a negative report on you," the magistrate reiterated, in front of the mother of the accused.

"You are his mother and I do not blame you if you will cry your eyes out if he is thrown into prison since he is your son, so don't let this happen," he told the mother of the accused.

Dr Marion Camilleri defended the 17-year-old while Dr Carina Nagiah defended the 20-year-old.