Kenneth Portelli, 22, from Msida, pleaded guilty to stealing more than Lm1,000 worth of mobile phone equipment from Phoneworld in San Gwann on 18 March.

The accused also admitted being an accomplice to third parties in other break-ins at phone shops in Ta’ Xbiex and San Gwann on 25 November 2003 and 20 January and handling stolen property.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, took into account Portelli’s guilty plea and the fact that he had a clean record. The court also took into account the fact that he was young and a hard worker, holding down two jobs, and that he had cooperated throughout the police investigation.

He had also given police the names of the other two people involved in the burglaries and was ready to testify against them in open court.

The court found Portelli guilty as charged and fined him Lm500. He was also put on probation for three years – the maximum permissible by law. Police inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted while Dr Robert Abela appeared for the defence.