Boys with difficult upbringing put on probation

Two teenage boys, who admitted to theft, were yesterday put on probation for three years after a magistrate heard detailed accounts of their difficult upbringing.

The boys, aged 15 and 16, pleaded guilty to stealing a handbag from Shingles Beach, St Julian's, on August 23, while the 16-year-old also admitted stealing two mobile phones from Paceville.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera evaluated the circumstances surrounding the two boys.

She heard the 15-year-old boy explain that his mother had sent him away from home four months before his arraignment. He lived at a friend's house for some time but had to go back home when he was kicked out. Two days later he left home again. He would sometimes sleep at a friend but on other occasions he would sleep on a bench.

During the arraignment the 15-year-old was granted bail on condition he remained at the 16-year-old's house. But he felt intimidated and left to go to Dar Suret il-Bniedem without informing the probation officer or the police. For this reason his bail was revoked and he was remanded in custody.

In a pre-sentencing report Probation Officer Victoria Grech explained that the boy did not have a pleasant upbringing. He had been told that his real father had permanently emigrated to Australia but later discovered that his father was in Malta and had spent some time in prison.

His mother had a daughter from her boyfriend and later suffered a serious illness. That was when the boy derailed and started living a life without control.

He stopped going to school and spent some time living at St Joseph Home but was sent away because he did not follow the house regulations. He then went to Dar Suret il-Bniedem where he was sent away for the same reason.

Magistrate Scerri Herrera also heard that, at present, the boy was unemployed, homeless and had social problems. Besides, psychologist Luisa Eminyan explained that he suffered from psychological problems.

Finally, the magistrate heard how despite several efforts to find a residence for the boy, none had been found.

Magistrate Scerri Herrera heard the 16-year-old's mother explain that originally her son wanted to leave home but since the arraignment he had changed and seemed happy at home.

Probation Officer Miriam Sevasta explained that the boy had a difficult upbringing. His parents' separation had a negative impact on the boy who lived with his mother, who had financial problems, and did not have any contact with his father.

The magistrate noted that both boys had clean criminal records. After evaluating all circumstances she put both of them on probation for three years and ordered the 16-year old to reside at his mother's house and the 15-year-old to reside at the residence provided by the probation officer.