An unemployed man who robbed neighbours’ houses to finance his drug addiction has been jailed and ordered to undergo drug rehabilitation.

Leslie Farrugia, 26, from Cospicua, was arraigned under arrest on December 5, accused of three separate instances of theft allegedly committed over a 10-day span from residences close to his own, as well as with breaching bail.

On one occasion he allegedly stole a bike and a valuable painting. The most recent theft, on December 1, was of domestic decorations.

Farrugia had already been on bail at the time, which was secured by a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Although he had initially denied the charges, when the case continued before magistrate Joe Mifsud on December 18, the man had changed his not guilty plea to an admission.

He had then confirmed his guilty plea, the court having solemnly warned him of the consequences of persisting in his admission of guilt, and was duly found guilty.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud, noting that the purpose of punishment was not revenge but the protection of society, said he had reflected on the punishment to be inflicted in this case for a long time. He said the court was of the opinion that the ideal punishment in this case, in order to steer Farrugia away from the path he had taken, was prison. “The period of incarceration which he will be given will be a beginning for him to take the right path and begin a rehabilitation program.”

The court condemned Farrugia to six months imprisonment and placed him under a 3 year treatment order.

Inspectors Eman Hayman and Mario Xiberras prosecuted. Lawyer Joe Brincat was defence counsel.