A 36-year-old man was given a two-year jail term, suspended for four years, after he admitted stealing two cars and attempting to steal another over the past weeks.
Charles Farrugia, of Żejtun, also admitted stealing fuel from three cars and from a factory in Bulebel, robbing two people of €70 and slightly injuring one of them in Żabbar on November 26.
Magistrate Doreen Clarke took note of the fact that Mr Farrugia cooperated with the police and entered an early guilty plea.
She also fined him €500 and put him under probationary supervision for two years.
Police Inspectors Carlos Cordina and Melyvn Camilleri prosecuted.