A Sliema man was yesterday conditionally discharged for two years after he pleaded guilty to stealing a post box affixed to a wall in his hometown.

John Paul Calleja, 45, pleaded guilty to stealing the red post box which dates back to the time when the British controlled Malta. He committed the crime on Tuesday evening.

The court was told that Calleja was an avid collector of prestigious antique items and he wanted to add the post box to his collection to the detriment of Maltapost plc.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard the man plead guilty to the charge brought against him and he conditionally discharged him for two years.

Police inspector Romina Veneziani prosecuted while Dr Philip Manduca appeared for the defendant.