A car wash thief who cleaned out the cash in two car wash machines in Zabbar and Ghaxaq has been placed on two years' probation by Magistrate Neville Camilleri.

Patrick Pullicino, 21, from Birzebbugia, admitted to stealing €355 from a service station in Zabbar, causing €140 in damages to that same service station, and stealing another €50 from an Ghaxaq service station.

In a separate case, Mr Pullicino admitted to stealing €950 from car wash machines at a Fgura service station.

Inspector Josric Mifsud prosecuted and lawyer Angie Muscat appeared for the accused.