Christopher Ryan, 21, of Valletta was jailed for two years and four months after he admitted to stealing three necklaces from three elderly women and of relapsing.

Mr Ryan, a chef, is understood to have snatched the necklaces off their necks. One of the thefts happened in Hamrun on 27 May, the other on 14 June in Hamrun as well, and the third theft in Sta Venera. The total value of the necklaces stolen amounts to €1,000.

Mr Ryan had been found guilty of a string of thefts in the past.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera told Mr Ryan: “You are far too young to be in court, you have been here too many times already, you need to reform yourself because you are going to land yourself in more trouble.”

Dr Veronique Dalli and Dr Dean Hili defended the accused. Police Inspectors Fabian Fleri and Kurt Zahra prosecuted.