Anthony Gafà, 26, was found guilty of being an accomplice in a theft from Miracle Foods on 26 March. The amount of cash and items stolen amounted to more than Lm1,000. The man was also guilty of helping to hold people against their will on the same day.

Probation officer Marietta Lanzon drew up a pre-sentencing report that claimed the problems the accused had may have led him to commit these crimes, but prison time will not help him get back on track.

The court noted the accused cooperated fully with police and admitted the charges pressed against him. Along with the suspended jail term, Gafà was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service.

Inspector Jeffrey Cilia prosecuted while Dr Jason Azzopardi and Dr Kris Busietta appeared for the accused.