Man jailed for stealing purse

Sylvester James, 25 of Hamrun, pleading guilty to petty theft and was jailed for seven months after the court noted his behaviour while serving a suspended sentence.

Prosecuting inspector Robert Vella explained to the court that on the morning of 1 April 2012, the accused stole a purse containing €400 from Dorothea Christina Buontempo while she was in Hamrun. The accused was also charged with committing an offence during the term of a suspended sentence, and relapsing.

The victim took the witness stand and informed the court she the money had been returned to her and had no other interest in the case.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri noted the accused's criminal record and his behaviour during the term of a suspended sentence. "Although the accused has fully collaborated with the police and admitted his guilt, the court opines the only effective punishment is a jail term", the court held. Sylvester James was imprisoned for seven months. The court also placed the victim under a protection order.