Kevin Zammit, 30, from Bikirkara, Claudio Mallia, 23, from Valletta and Anthony Galea, 41, from Delimara pleaded guilty to committing nine thefts between them while carrying unlicensed weapons and holding people against their will.

Zammit and Mallia admitted a hold up from Mtarfa Lotto office and stealing Lm400. The two also were accused of a hold-up at Penny Lane Pharmacy in Swieqi, stealing some Lm200. They also stole a purse and a mobile phone.

Zammit and Galea pleaded guilty to stealing a Mazda from Gzira, a leather pouch from St Julian’s and trying to hold up a shop in Mgarr. Zammit alone stole two pouches and a handbag each containing cash and other documents, from three different vehicles in February 2004.

The defence asked the court to show clemency because the men have drug problems. However, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, who presided over the court felt their wish for rehabilitation was not sincere. These crimes are becoming more frequent and are causing societal problems, said the magistrate, especially considering the bags were stolen from elderly people and the men were armed. The court must therefore show that these are condemnable crimes punishable by jail term.

The three men were sentenced to three years and two months in prison for the crimes they admitted.

Inspectors Angelo Caruana and Paul Bond prosecuted.