Two men and two teenagers guilty of theft

Two men and two teenagers were given probation orders yesterday after pleading guilty to various counts of theft.

William Merchant, 19, Sharlon Bugeja, 18, and two boys aged 16 and 17 pleaded guilty to breaking into and stealing from an apartment in Ibraġ.

They were also found guilty of attempted theft at two different residences in Balluta and St Julian's and handling stolen goods.

Mr Merchant and the 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded guilty to theft from an apartment last month.

Mr Merchant was found guilty of driving without a licence and insurance and relapsing. The 16-year-old youth pleaded guilty to stealing a mobile phone.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani placed Mr Merchant and Mr Bugeja under probation for three years while the two minors were placed under probation for two years.