Kevin Camilleri, 33, broke into Carmel Barbara’s car and stole his attache case containing cheque books, ATM cards, a driving licence and Lm1,200. He also forged an identity card in order to cash the cheques he made out from the stolen cheque books.

After the theft, Mr Barbara ordered APS bank to block all his accounts, but these instructions were not carried out because six cheques amounting to Lm1,883 had been cashed by the thief.

Camilleri cooperated with the police and admitted the crime during the investigation. The court noted he had a drug problem, and had been unemployed, but since the commission of the crime he seems to have pulled himself together. He successfully completed a rehabilitation programme and is now a sales manager.

The court therefore concluded that he deserves one last chance to turn over a new leaf and gave him a suspended sentence instead of time in jail.

The court was presided over by Magistrate Abigail Lofaro while inspector Bernard Zarb prosecuted.