A man who ripped out wires from 27 flats under construction in Marsascala caused €7,000 worth of damage he will have to pay for in six months, a court ordered today.

Paul Zammit, 47 of Mosta, pleaded guilty to stealing the cables along with a compressor, a welding set and other tools.

He was accompanied in the theft by another man, who will face similar charges.

Mr Zammit was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for three years and placed under the supervision of a probation officer.