A 33-year-old man from Tarxien this morning admitted to stealing €7,500 from his former employer to pay off the debts he owed him.

Charlot Camilleri was charged with stealing the money and cheques from the Aquatess factory in Qormi on 17 August and causing more than €250 in damages.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit asked why the accused felt the need to steal when he had a job, to which the defence replied that the man had had an unhappy upbringing and owed money to his former employer. She called on the court to give Mr Camilleri another chance, possibly through a probation order. But Inspector John Spiteri, prosecuting, noted that the court had already given the accused a chance to reform in the past. The Inspector said Mr Camilleri had already paid €1,000 back.

Mr Camilleri, who works as a pizza delivery man, was handed a two-year jail term suspended for four years and was ordered to outstanding sum within a six-month period. The Magistrate warned him that failure to do so would constitute a crime. Mr Camilleri’s cousin, who is his new employer, acted as guarantor.

Lawyer Roberta Spiteri appeared for Mr Camilleri. 

Yesterday, a 16-year-old boy was placed on a two-year probation order for taking part in the same theft.