Deborah Farrugia, 20, pleaded guilty to damaging the hired Hyundai Accent to the detriment of Drive-a-Way car hire while it was parked in Valletta on 16 July 2003.

The court, presided over by magistrate Abigail Lofaro, heard the prosecuting officer testify that the accused had paid for the damage caused to the car, had cooperated with the police during their investigations and had registered a guilty plea early in the proceedings. He also informed the court that the accused had been suffering from personal problems at the time she committed the crime.

After considering the fact that Farrugia was also a relapser, Magistrate Lofaro said the court believed that it was more beneficial for her to be given a final opportunity to get her life back on the right track. She therefore placed Farrugia on probation for two years and fined her Lm100.

Police inspector Ramon Mercieca prosecuted.