A Libyan man who has been investigated in connection with Simon Grech’s murder was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to car theft.

Jamal Muftah Salem Belkheir, 31 from Paola, admitted stealing a Ford Escort between the hours of 6pm and 8.45pm on 30 March 2005 in Qawra, to the detriment of Alfred Xerri.

Belkheir also pleaded guilty to damaging the car on 13 April and relapsing in view of previous convictions.

Presiding magistrate Silvio Meli jailed him for three years for the crimes he had admitted.

During the arraignment, the prosecuting inspectors mentioned that Belkheir had been investigated in connection with the recent murder of 20-year-old Simon Grech, although this had yielded no results.

Inspectors Carmelo Bartolo and Silvio Valletta prosecuted while Dr Martin Fenech appeared for the accused.