An Egyptian man was given a suspended jail term yesterday after he admitted to stealing cash and jewellery from a residence in Rabat.

Ibrahim El Degwy, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing cash and jewellery from a house in Rabat on 6 November 2005. He also pleaded guilty to causing more than Lm50 in damage to the property.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Abigail Lofaro, took into account that the accused returned the stolen goods and had pleaded guilty at an early stage in the proceedings. The accused offered to pay for the damage he caused to the house.

The court said a prison term was not ideal in the circumstances and therefore handed down a two-year term suspended for four years.

Police inspectors Silvio Valletta and Carlo Ellul prosecuted.