Home owner saw thief coming out of his house
Police arrest suspect after being alerted by neighbours
A 45-year-old man has been handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing €30 from a residence in St. Julian's.
Prosecutors said the theft occurred on the evening of June 12 during a break-in.
The homeowner told police that after returning from a walk, he noticed his front door swinging open and a man walking out of his house.
A police inspection revealed that the intruder had forced entry through the back of the house to steal the €30 cash. The accused did not go far, choosing to loiter in the area after the crime. Neighbours noted him and he was arrested
The accused, Zlatko Momirov, pleaded guilty.
Both the prosecution and the defence agreed that he should not be imprisoned, citing his early guilty plea and cooperation with the police, including returning the stolen cash. However, the prosecution requested a protection order in favour of the victim.
Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busutill sentenced the accused to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, while also issuing a restraining order in favour of the victim.
The prosecution was led by Inspector Christian Xuereb, assisted by Attorney General lawyer Martina Muscat. Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared for the accused.