A man who stole fuel from a waste collection truck was given a six-month jail term suspended for a year after pleading guilty before Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona.

He was also ordered to pay back the amount within six months.

Francis Bezzina, 45, of Naxxar, stole €150 worth of fuel from the truck in St Paul’s Bay to the detriment of Joseph Vella. The theft happened on 5 September when Bezzina siphoned off the fuel by means of a pipe. He also pleaded guilty to relapsing.

Police Inspector Therese Sciberras prosecuted while legal aid Renzo Porsella Flores appeared for Bezzina.