Johan Sultana, 22, from Hamrun, stole the car by breaking into the garage of Anthony Aquilina’s Mqabba residence.

An anonymous tip-off led the police to the accused. They were informed that three men had seen Sultana driving the stolen car.

Mr Aquilina said he noticed his garage door open when he returned home the evening of 22 March 2003.

His car was missing as well as gold items and paintings.

Sultana was only found guilty of car theft and was acquitted of stealing the other items.

Sultana has a record peppered with criminal offences. He was found guilty of 45 crimes and had been given all sorts of sentences, ranging from fines to prison.

In view of this, the court ruled it could not show the accused any clemency. He has serious kleptomania problems that should be addressed.

Sultana had been accused of relapsing in view of previous convictions, but was acquitted of this charge due to a legal loophole.

Along with the two-year jail term, the man was ordered to pay the expenses incurred by the court over the course of the investigation.

The court was presided over by magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera and inspector Silvio Valletta prosecuted.