Motorist distracted as bag is stolen from his car
Construction worker admits theft
A motorist was distracted by a man while an accomplice stole a bag from his car, a court heard on Wednesday.
The incident was recounted during proceedings against 25-year-old construction worker José Armando Alape Nino, who was accused of aggravated theft.
Police inspector Francesca Maria Calleja told the court that the incident took place on April 13 in Luqa. She said the owner of the car told the police that two foreigners approached him, and while one asked for information to distract him, the other made off with the bag containing an iPhone, iPad and less than €20 in cash, among other items.
The two individuals fled but the man who took the bag was stopped and later arrested. The police are still investigating the second suspect.
The stolen objects were retrieved.
The accused admitted and told the police that he regretted his actions. He pleaded guilty in court.
In submissions on punishment, the defence argued that the accused had cooperated with the police, admitted at a very early stage and had a clean criminal record.
Legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera requested a suspended sentence, also noting that the stolen items had been returned.
The court handed down a five-month jail term suspended for one year.
Magistrate Antoine Agius Bonnici presided. AG lawyer Marcea Fenech prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Francesca Maria Calleja. Legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera appeared for the accused.