A homeless man, who also has a drug-related problem, was jailed for 30 months yesterday after pleading guilty to stealing artefacts and other objects from a number of churches.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Giovanni Grixti, jailed Steven Zahra, 39, for 30 months after he pleaded guilty to 21 thefts he had committed between June 2006 and 22 February 2008.

He admitted to stealing bags, money-boxes, IT equipment and artefacts from cars, shops and churches of three Christian denominations.

In handing down his judgment, Magistrate Grixti took into account that Zahra filed an early admission.

The court accepted the man’s request to be introduced to a drug rehabilitation programme.

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