Amadeo Grima, 24, from Zabbar, was found guilty of committing these thefts in October 1999. The accused stole hi-fi equipment from Holy Cross Church and then proceeded to break into a car owned by Fr Anthony Cassar and stole his chalice and pyxes.

He gained access to the church by using the keys that were hidden in a letterbox on the side of the church.

Handing down her judgement, Magistrate Abigail Lofaro said she had taken into consideration the fact that Grima had cooperated with the police and had returned all the things he had stolen.