An Englishman on holiday in Malta pleaded guilty to causing 770 euros worth of damage to his hotel room in St Paul's Bay.

Joey Bond, 36, receives social benefits from the UK, and said he was willing to pay for the damage, but would first need to make contact with his family in order to receive the funds.

Mr Bond admitted to having a drinking problem, and said that he shouldn't drink as when he does things like this happen.

The prosecution recommended that the accused be given a suspended sentence. Magistrate Miriam Hayman agreed and gave the man an 8-month suspended sentence for 18 months adding on a restitution order. Should the defendant not pay before 16 of December (his return airline ticket is set for the 17), he would need to be brought back to court.

The Magistrate told the defendant to take better care of himself, especially since he is conscious of his problem.