Joseph Camilleri, 38 from Zebbug, who is commonly referred to by his nickname ‘the devil’, was yesterday sentenced to three years imprisonment by Magistrate Anthony Vella after he pleaded guilty to stealing highly valuable antiques, worth around €400,000 in all, from a house in Sliema.

Mr Camilleri was also charged with being a relapser and with causing slight damage to the house by forcing an entry.

Prosecuting Police Inspectors Michael Mallia and Joseph Mercieca said that other people are expected to be arraigned in court later this week in connection with the theft, which took place on two days, Monday, 21 June and Wednesday, 23 June.

They added that the accused stole the highly valuable antiques to the detriment of an elderly woman, who lives on her own and who happened to be abroad at the time when the crime was committed.

Representing the accused, lawyer Roberto Montalto told the Magistrate that the defence counsel and the prosecution were in agreement that the accused merits a prison sentence of no longer than three years, considering that he pleaded guilty and fully cooperated with the police, returned all the items which were stolen and also gave the police a detailed version of events of exactly how the crime took place.

Dr Montalto also said that Mr Camilleri returned €20,000 which he had made by selling some of the stolen antiques.