Jail time for relapsing phone thief

A 23-year-old Libyan youth received a harsh life lesson this morning, after he was jailed for two-and-a-half years for stealing several mobile phones from St. Julians during the term of a suspended sentence.

Last week, Police Inspector Elton Taliana had presented Yousef Kalifa under arrest and charged him with the theft of a Samsung Galaxy S6, an Iphone 5, a Samsung LG and a Sony from tourists in St. Julians earlier this month.

During that sitting the inspector had told the court how when the man, who resides at the Hal Far open centre, had been arrested for stealing one mobile phone but had escaped from police custody whilst he was being treated at the Floriana Health Centre.

Kalifa was subsequently rearrested, at which time the police had found him to be carrying three other mobile phones which had also been reported stolen.

He also pointed out that the man was already under an 18-month suspended sentence, also for theft.

In court today, the young man admitted to the thefts and pleaded for mercy with the magistrate, trying to blame on the fact that he had been drunk at the time.

But Magistrate Carol Peralta was unmoved, pointing out to the young man that drunkenness is not an excuse at law, as well as to the fact that Kalifa had also breached the conditions of a previous suspended sentence.

As the magistrate was handing down the man’s 12-month prison sentence, he was again interrupted by the accused, who begged for another chance. He was warned that if he tried to interrupt the court again, he could expect an additional six months' imprisonment for contempt of court. Kalifa shook his head vigorously.

In addition to this morning’s sentence, the 18-month suspended sentence was also rendered effective, bringing his total stretch behind bars to two-and-a-half years.