A man who had been sentenced to prison for stealing copper cables has had his sentence converted to a probation order on appeal.

Jean Pierre Mamo, 33, and another person had been charged with the theft of copper wires from the old Corradino power station in September 2010. The value of the stolen items was more than €2,329.

Mr Mamo was alone charged with stealing copper cables and pipes worth more than €2,329 from a construction site in Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex. The other person was charged with breaching a probation order.

They were found guilty in March 2014 and Mr Mamo was jailed for 18 months while the other person was jailed for 26 months.

Mr Mamo had filed an appeal and asked for a lighter sentence.

A court, presided over by Mr Justice Giovanni Grixti, noted that Mr Mamo has since changed his ways – as confirmed by a probation officer - and should be helped to stay on the right path. The court heard how Mr Mamo had a difficult and traumatic upbringing which had a negative effect on his adult life. He had also not managed to find stability with the mothers of his children. The man did not have a drug or alcohol vice.

He had held a job for several years but found it very hard to find another job after he spent some time in prison. Yet he had still managed to find full-time and part-time employment.

The Probation Officer’s recommendation was that Mr Mamo should seek psychological help to overcome the trauma of his past.

The court said that Mr Mamo was an ideal candidate to have his sentence reduced. Keeping in mind the interests of society and the accused, the judge said he was willing to give Mr Mamo another chance to reform. The accused should appreciate the chance he was given and realise that the outcome was in his hands.

While his guilty verdict was confirmed the court turned his 18-month prison term into a three-year probation order.