A 17-year-old boy was charged yesterday with stealing car registration plates and using them to drive an unlicensed car.

The boy, whose name is not being published since he is still a minor, was charged with stealing car registration plates from a Volkswagen Polo that was parked in Mdina on the night of 22 June last year.

He was accused of using the plates to drive a Daewoo Racer without a licence or insurance cover on and after 22 June.

Before magistrate Edwina Grima, the boy was further charged with being in possession of a sharp and pointed object without a licence, with breaching a probation order and with relapsing.

Police inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted and Dr Daniela Mangion appeared for the accused.