A 21-year-old Bulgarian woman was conditionally discharged for three months for begging in Republic Street, Valletta.
Todorka Atanasova was sobbing as she stood in the dock in court, flanked by an interpreter.
She pleaded guilty to living a vagabond life and harassing people when she asked for money in Valletta yesterday and in previous weeks.
Police Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna and legal aid lawyer Patrick Valentino told the magistrate that they both agreed a conditional discharge was appropriate.
Magistrate Neville Camilleri took note of the fact that the woman had no criminal record and filed an early guilty plea.