A 34-year-old Nigerian who lives in Ireland has been jailed nine months after he pleaded guilty to stealing €840 using nine counterfeit credit cards in teh past week.

Police Inspector Ian Abdilla said the cards pertained to bank accounts in Mexico and the US.

Raymond Ifechkwude Obanya used them to buy a number of items, including watches and clothes.

Speaking to the magistrate, Mr Obanya said he had a house loan to pay and that was why he stole. He said he was not proud of what he did.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi replied that he also had a house loan to pay but he did not steal credit cards.