A 20-year-old was remanded in custody yesterday pending sentencing after he pleaded guilty to stealing a laptop computer and cash from St John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta.

Daniel Lanzon, aged 20, admitted stealing the money and laptop at about 6.45am on 10 May.

Police inspector Michael Mallia said that Lanzon was a habitual thief and did not give the impression that he wanted to turn his life around.

Meanwhile, the accused’s lawyer, Dr Leon Bencini, said that his client had stolen after having been released from prison.

“He did not have a job and had no money. It does not justify what he did, but there is a social aspect to this case. He returned the goods and the money and has registered an early guilty plea,” said Dr Bencini.

He said that, in his opinion, his client should be assigned to a social worker or a probation officer as he needed help.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti pointed out that the accused’s criminal record was not up-to-date, as his last conviction (two years’ jail), which was handed down by Dr Grixti last month, was not listed. Dr Grixti said that he would await receipt of the accused’s up-to-date record before passing judgment. Lanzon was remanded in custody.

Police inspector Michael Mallia prosecuted.