The court has jailed a woman, who admitted to stealing some €20,000 worth of jewellery, to two years in prison.

Alexia Calleja, aged 40, admitted having committed aggravated thefts which focused on two shops in Floriana and Valletta, owned by Diamonds International and Victor Azzopardi Jewellers.

The woman, who told the court that she had a ten year struggled with drug addiction, was ordered to also complete a drug rehabilitation programme. The thefts took place in July and earlier this month.

“The court cannot continue giving you opportunities to change your way of life. You need help but you have to be the first person to pull up your sleeves and work towards kicking this habit,” Magistrate Joe Mifsud, who presided over the court, told the accused.

“You have no right to steal other people’s things in an attempt to solve your financial trouble or to satisfy your drug addiction. Being a drug addict is no justification for stealing. You can kick the habit if you work for it, start a programme and complete it,” he continued.

Inspectors Daryl Borg and Alfredo Mangion prosecuted.

Lawyer Noel Cutajar was legal aid counsel.