Four teenagers were placed on probation for a year, while another one was placed on probation for 18 months, after they admitted their involvement in stealing a car from Ghaxaq in October last year.

The boys, aged between 14 and 17, from Ghaxaq, Birzebbuga and Tarxien, were found guilty of committing different offences between September and November last year.

The eldest boy, who was placed on probation for 18 months, was found guilty of stealing the car, a Morris Minor, on the night between 21 and 22 October. Two of the other boys were found guilty of being accomplices.

Another of the boys was found guilty of making use of the stolen car and, together with the eldest teenager, was further charged with driving the car without a licence and insurance cover.

The eldest boy was further charged with damaging a car that was on display at J.C. Car Sale Showroom in Ghaxaq, as well as the glass of the showroom, on the night between 17 and 18 September last year.

Three of the boys, including the youngest one, also admitted that they had stolen from two cars in Ghaxaq.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke presided over the court.

Police inspector Anthony Portelli prosecuted. Dr Joe Buttigieg, Dr Franco Debono and Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for the accused.