A Romanian pickpocket today was sentenced to two months in jail after he tried to rob a plainclothes policeman in Sliema.

Valeriu Moraru, 40, was on a bus when he attempted to steal items belonging to another passenger, who turned out to be a policeman.

The man was charged with attempted theft, which was not completed due to an accidental cause independent of his will.

Prosecuting officer Jonathan Ransley said that Malta used to be considered a safe destination, and he called for a sentence which would act as a deterrent.

Lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar said the accused had entered an early guilty plea, that the attempted theft was simple in nature and that the accused had a clean criminal record.

Magistrate Frendo Dimech ruled that the accused had little reason not to reoffend and sentenced him to two months imprisonment.

Inspector Mark Mercieca also prosecuted.