A lawyer defending a woman charged with small-time theft and fraud offences has said that the criminal justice system prevents ex-cons from getting jobs.

The 42-year-old woman's case was being heard before Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona and is charged with stealing €930 in cash, using a falsified cheque worth €729 to defraud a computer store, stealing a cheque book, mobile and relapsing.

The woman submitted a guilty plea and did not request bail. Peter Fenech, the woman's lawyer explained to the court that he knew the accused since she first came to Malta 30-years ago. He stated that with a criminal record containing certain convictions, one cannot find employment. He said he intervened with the ETC on her behalf to try and find her a job, however did not succeed.

He told the court that one being released from prison she did not have any help and was not entitled to relief as she did not previously hold a job. "How can we expect people to leave prison, deny them work and relief and expect them not to reoffend?"

He added that they end up again doing drugs, involving themselves in prostitution and stealing.

Dr Fenech explained that she would be better off in prison as he has no other means to feed herself.

The woman was remanded in custody and ordered a treatment program.

Inspector Sandra Zammit prosecuting.