Carmel Mugliett, 53 from Marsascala, today was handed a prison sentence of four years after he admitted to the theft of €15,000 worth of items from a jewellery store, situated in Republic Street Valletta.

The theft occurred between 10am and noon on 9 February. The man is well known with the police as he was previously convicted of theft. He committed the theft soon after leaving court on a separate case.

It appears that Mugliett was originally convicted of attempted theft from a jewellery. On that same day when the case was presented in court, the man went to the same shop and stole a number of items.

Sources say the accused stole from a glass showcase by stealing a set of unaccompanied keys. As the attendant was not close by, he opened the showcase and stole a number of rings.

Inspector Daryl Borg told the court that stolen goods were not retrieved as yet, aside from €340 in cash found in his possession.

Inspectors Jeffrey Scicluna and Daryl Borg prosecuted and legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech appeared for the defence. Magistrate Audrey Demicoli presided over the case.