Updated with details after court arraignment at 11.15am

Daniel Vella, 19, from Zejtun, was handed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to the theft of fuel from two petrol stations between March and June.

His brother, 21-year-old Richard Louis Vella, from Qormi, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. 

The third man, 21-year-old Maverick Vella, was placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty. 

Magistrate Josette Demicoli granted Richard Louis Vella bail against a 4,000 personal guarantee and ordered him to sign the bail book twice a week. 

Lawyer Martha Vella appeared for Daniel Vella while lawyer Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia appeared for the other two. 

Earlier, the police said in a statement that a drawn-out investigation by the police has led to the arrest of three youths over the theft of fuel from petrol stations between March and June. 

Investigations revealed that on several days in March 2020, Daniel Vella stole fuel from a pump in Triq il-Belt Valletta, Żurrieq, while allegedly together with the other two young men.

Vella also stole fuel from another pump in Aldo Moro Street, Marsa in June, police said.  His brother Richard Louis was also caught driving without a licence, they added. 

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