An unrepentant thief from Marsa has been jailed after he was caught stealing cash from a petrol station in Birkirkara.

The unemployed 43 year-old, Dennis Cremona, was arrested around midnight on Tuesday by police who caught him red-handed while trying to steal cash from a machine at the petrol station.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana, prosecuting, told the court that the machine only contained some €6 at the time, but added that the man had caused over €250 of damage to the petrol station equipment.

Cremona, who has several previous convictions for theft, was charged with aggravated theft, wilful damage to property, possession of burglary tools and relapsing. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace heard submissions on punishment, observing that prosecution and defence had agreed that a 6 month prison sentence would be ideal.

The court sentenced Cremona to 6 months in prison.

Lawyer Joseph Brincat was defence counsel.