A man has received an 18 month prison sentence, suspended for four years, after he admitted trying to rob the house of an elderly man in Santa Venera on 9 April 2006.

Bernard Muscat, 41, from Cospicua, pleaded guilty to trying to rob the house and damaging its front door.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera jailed Muscat for 18 months, suspended for four years. She also ordered that during the operative time of this suspended sentence, Muscat is to be closely monitored by a probation officer to ensure that he does not relapse.

Police inspector Mario Bonello prosecuted.