A man who has been struggling with drug addiction for 20 years was jailed for a year after admitting to a string of thefts.

Allan Grima, 34, from Marsascala, pleaded guilty to breaking into a Peugeot in Hamrun on Sunday morning. On the same night he attempted to steal from two other cars in Marsa, and stole €100 in cash and a pair of spectacles and other items worth €165 from two other cars. He also admitted to stealing items worth €230 from a car in Hamrun yesterday afternoon.

Magistrate Joseph Mifsud heard how Mr Grima committed the thefts to fund his drug habit after failing to receive his dose of methadone.

The Magistrate sentenced the accused to one year in prison but ordered the relevant authorities to ensure that Mr Grima is given the necessary help and treatment, including psychological support, to beat his addiction.

Dr Mifsud remarked that he wanted to help the man, whose criminal record was akin to a crime novel.

Inspector Elliott Magro prosecuted. Lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar was legal aid lawyer for Mr Grima.