A 17-year-old boy was yesterday placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to stealing a handbag early on Tuesday morning from Gzira.

The boy from San Gwann, whose name cannot be mentioned by court order since he is still a minor, pleaded guilty to stealing the handbag belonging to Maria-Pia Porcaro. The handbag contained a mobile phone, Lm37 in cash, several credit cars and well as other items. The boy pleaded not guilty to, and was declared not guilty of, relapsing.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli placed the boy on probation for two years.

Police Inspector Romina Veneziani prosecuted while Dr Richard Sladden appeared for the accused.