Pensioner admits to stealing €980 in cash

Joseph Paul Pisani, 68, of Bormla, was this morning handed a suspended jail term after pleading guilty to stealing €980 in cash from a German tourist in Sliema.

On 11 April, the accused, also known as “Il-Whisky”, was caught on CCTV footage entering into the dressing rooms of the waterpolo pitch in Sliema. Within minutes of entering into the dressing room, Pisani stole a wallet containing €980 in cash to the detriment of German tourist, Michael Rold Joachim.

The accused, a broker, claimed that he stole the money because he had run up considerable debts and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Prosecuting inspector Jason Sultana told the court that the accused reimbursed the victim of the amount stolen and that he had cooperated and admitted to the charge at an early stage.

Despite his early admission, Magistrate Carol Peralta served the man a two-year jail term suspended for four years – a “hefty sentence which should serve as an eye opener.”

“This is the third time that you have committed a theft over the span of 30 years. You are not an immature teenager. If you commit another crime during this four-year period, you will be sent straight to jail.”

“Stealing is not a solution. If you have problems, the court is here to help you,” Magistrate Peralta said.

Inspector Jason Sultana prosecuted. The accused refused legal aid.