A man from Rabat was sentenced to 18 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to theft and handling stolen goods.

Jesmond Bugeja, 40, pleaded guilty to stealing under Lm1,000 in cash and a number of mobile phones. He also pleaded guilty to stealing another mobile phone from Balzan on 12 January at around 9.30pm.

In handing down his judgement, magistrate Saviour Demicoli noted Bugeja’s guilty plea, his cooperation with the police and his criminal record.

Magistrate Demicoli gave him an 18-month jail term and recommended that the Corradino Correctional Facility authorities help him start, and successfully complete, a drug rehabilitation programme.

Police inspector Marisa Camilleri and Jesmond Borg prosecuted, while Dr Jose Herrera appeared for Bugeja.

A 41-year-old man from Cospicua was yesterday sentenced to one year and three months in jail after he pleaded guilty to theft.

Brian Muscat pleaded guilty to stealing cash, a mobile phone and other items from a house in Cospicua on 12 January.

Before magistrate Saviour Demicoli, Muscat also pleaded guilty to damaging property and relapsing.

In handing down his judgment, magistrate Demicoli noted Muscat’s early guilty plea, that he had cooperated with the police, and his criminal record and sentenced him to one year and three months in jail.

Police inspector Anthony Portelli prosecuted, while Dr Anthony Cutajar appeared for Muscat.

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A woman was yesterday sentenced to one year and two months in jail after she pleaded guilty to various charges of theft and complicity in theft.

Alberta Amato, 21, from Gzira, pleaded guilty to assisting another person, Natale Bonello, steal an undisclosed amount of cash from Ees N Jays Saloon in San Gwann on 2 June 2005 between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

She also pleaded guilty to assisting Lorita Pace in the commission of another crime on 24 August 2005 at around 7pm in Bugibba.

Before magistrate Saviour Demicoli, Amato also pleaded guilty to stealing two cameras worth up to Lm1,000 from a stationery in Marsaxlokk on 27 June 2005 at around 5pm and stealing cash from a BOV ATM in Birkirkara on 29 August 2005.

She also pleaded guilty to receiving and handling stolen items and to relapsing.

In handing down his judgement, magistrate Demicoli noted Amato’s early guilty plea and her criminal record and sentenced her to one year and two months jail.

Police inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted.