Joseph Camilleri, 32, pleaded guilty to stealing a visa card and mobile phone after breaking into, and damaging, Ann Kristin Rieger’s car. He was also accused of defrauding her of Lm270 and handling stolen property.

He also admitted stealing a mobile phone from Ruth Attard and Lm100 and E545 and another mobile phone from Patrick Cuschieri in Valletta.

He also pleaded guilty to heroin possession and relapsing in view of previous convictions. The court, presided over by magistrate Abigail Lofaro, sentenced him to two years and four months’ imprisonment after noting that he had an “alarming” criminal record.

Police inspectors Josric Mifsud and Ramon Mercieca prosecuted.