Two men handed probation order after admitting to Santa Venera burglary
The men stole jewellery and over €10,000 in cash in the burglary three years ago
Two men were handed a probation order after they were found guilty of stealing over €10,000 in cash and jewellery from a couple’s residence in Santa Venera.
40-year-old Jonathan Degiorgio and Christopher Mifsud, 37, were accused of aggravated theft and damage to a third party.
Degiorgio was also accused of breaching three sets of bail conditions.
Both were also charged with recidivism.
The break-in took place one evening in August 2022, at a couple’s home in St Venera.
Investigations led to the arrest of the two suspected thieves, who initially pleaded not guilty to aggravated theft and willful damage to the front door of the house.
They changed their plea last year before eventually admitting their guilt a year later, after a report was prepared by their respective probation officers.
In Degiorgio’s case, it emerged that the man understood that his problematic behaviour had stemmed from his acute drug addiction and his past mistakes. He stopped taking drugs two years ago and was slowly rebuilding his life.
The probation officer underlined that the man needed all available assistance to continue rehabilitation and recommended that he be given a probation order and treatment order.
In Mifsud’s case, the probation officer observed that while the man had not had an easy life, his past did not justify his actions.
His probation officer underlined that the man had a number of requirements needing to be addressed to lessen the risk of such behaviour occurring again in the future. He also needs therapy and anger management, as well as help addressing his drug addiction.
The court found both men guilty, both by their own admission and the evidence produced in the case.
The men were handed a three-year probation order and a five-year treatment order. They were ordered to pay €5,200 each to the victims in 36 instalments.
The court also ordered them to pay €5,784.01 in court expenses.
In Degiorgio’s case, the court ordered the forfeiture of a total of €1,000 from the three deposits placed on as many different bail decrees, with the man being warned to disburse the same amount in court, so that he may continue enjoying his bail in connection with the separate proceedings.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided.
Police inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted.
Lawyer Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for Degiorgio.
Legal aid lawyer Yanica Barbara Sant appeared for Mifsud.