A woman who pleaded guilty to stealing and using a Cashlink card was yesterday placed on probation for three years since the court ruled that she was a first-time offender and should be given another chance.

Rita Vella, 48, from Floriana, admitted to stealing the Cashlink card belonging to Mary Briffa from Hamrun and to withdrawing money from an ATM using Ms Briffa’s personal identification number.

Handing down her judgement, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera considered that Vella was a first-time offender, had filed an early guilty plea, had cooperated with the police and had paid back the money she stole. Magistrate Scerri Herrera placed Vella on probation for three years.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted.