Malcolm Brian Mercieca, 28, who has no fixed address was today imprisoned for 30 months after having admitted to stealing a Hyundai belonging to Omar Abdel-Aal of Marsa.

The theft took place in Hamrun on 13 May.

He was also accused of having damaged the vehicle and driving it without an insurance cover.

He also admitted to having stolen cash by means of a credit card from an ATM branch in Marsa with the help of another person, and also having stolen a handbag from Doreen Spiteri which contained €150 in cash and other personal belongings.

He was also found guilty of relapsing.

On giving out the sentence, the court took into consideration several factors including that he admitted to the thefts and his police record, among others.

The court recommended that due to his drug problem, the Director of Prisons provide him with the necessary assistance in order to undergo a drug rehabilitation programme.

A three-year protection order was issued by the court to protect the victim, Ms Spiteri and her family from Mercieca.

Police Inspectors Sarah Magri and Godfrey Azzopardi prosecuted.