Shoplifter admits to stealing €110 worth of items from supermarkets
Roberto Conti stole whisky, mincemeat and rump steak from two supermarkets
A 45-year-old homeless man pleaded guilty to stealing some €110 in products from a supermarket.
Roberto Conti, an Italian national, was accused of having stolen the items on October 9 and 10, twice from the same Ta' Xbiex supermarket on different days, and once from a Sliema Supermarket.
The man stole whisky, mincemeat and rump steak.
Conti pleaded guilty to the charges.
Legal aid lawyer Nadya Fiott told the court that the intention behind his admission plea was to eventually find help, find a job and reintegrate into society.
Police inspector Elton Buckingham told the court that Conti mentioned an alcohol problem in his statement to the police. He added that the man has nowhere to live in Malta nor in Italy.
Fiott stressed that if he is given an effective prison term, he could get all the assistance he needs without resorting to theft to sustain himself.
The court, after hearing the submissions on punishment, adjourned the case to November 5, when judgment will be handed down.
Magistrate Abigail Critien presided. Police inspector Elton Buckingham prosecuted, while legal aid lawyer Nadya Fiott assisted the accused.