A 22-year-old man was yesterday jailed for a total of two years and six months after he admitted to stealing a doctor’s handbag from St Luke’s Hospital during the operative time of a suspended jail term.

Fabian Sciriha, from Mosta, pleaded guilty, before presiding Magistrate Antonio Mizzi, to stealing a handbag, mobile phone, cash and other items to the detriment of Dr Fiona Vella from St Luke’s Hospital on 24 September.

Following his guilty plea, Magistrate Mizzi jailed Sciriha for six months and ordered that the suspended jail term be put into effect bringing the total jail term to two years and six months.

Police inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted while Dr Martin Fenech appeared for Sciriha.