Serbian jailed for stealing whiskey, handling stolen tools

A 26-year-old barman residing in St Paul’s Bay was today sentenced to six weeks in prison after pleading guilty to shoplifting a bottle of whiskey from a supermarket, and to handling stolen tools valued around €800.

The incident occurred on Monday at about 9:15am, when Milan Glusec, 26, originally of Serbia, was caught stealing a bottle Jack Daniel’s worth around €20 from Shop Inn Supermarket in Triq it-Turisti, St Paul’s Bay.

Prosecuting inspector Godwin Scerri told the court that upon apprehending the accused, a search warrant was issued and the police searched Glusec’s residence in St Paul’s Bay.

Inside, police discovered tools that were stolen from a hut in Cospicua in July. The tools are valued at around €800.

The police however acknowledged that the accused may not have been involved in the theft, and that he may have unknowingly purchased them without realising they were stolen.

Glusec initially admitted only to shoplifting the bottle of whiskey, but after the court told him that he must either admit to all the charges or plead not guilty, the man recanted his plea and admitted to both charges.

Prosecuting inspector Godwin Scerri told the court that a suspended sentence would suffice and argued that the accused would be deported back to Serbia, while on his part, the defence argued in favour of a conditional discharge.

Notwithstanding the pleas, Magistrate Marseann Farrugia jailed Glusec for six weeks. The court also ordered that the man be deported back to Serbia once he completes his punishment, a move that, according to the prosecution, would make the accused “happy.”