Tile layer pleads guilty to armed robbery, handed down probation order

Updated to reflect final sentence

A Bulgarian man has pleaded guilty to the attempted theft of a Sliema gorcery store and handed down a two-year probation by Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo.

The man from St Paul's Bay had been charged in connection with an attempted armed robbery from a Sliema grocery store two months earlier.

The 24-year-old, a tiler by profession, was charged with attempted theft and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime against the person. He was also accused of recidivism.

The man initially pleaded not guilty through his lawyer, Leontine Calleja, when first arraigned in front of Magistrate Anthony Vella. Bail was denied at the time.