A homeless man, who also has a drug-related problem, yesterday pleaded guilty to stealing a number of artefacts from a number of churches and other objects.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Giovanni Grixti, heard Steven Zahra, 39, plead guilty to 21 thefts he had committed between June 2006 and 22 February 2008.

He said he stole bags, money boxes, IT equipment and artefacts from cars, shops and churches.

The man pleaded guilty and asked to be introduced to a drug rehabilitation programme.

Magistrate Grixti put off the case to a later date in order to decide on the penalty to be inflicted.

Police Inspectors Michael Mallia and Alex Grech prosecuted while Dr Renzo Porsella Flores was legal aid to the accused.