A man was given a suspended sentence over the theft of items from two stores at the Tigné shopping mall on Wednesday afternoon.
Slovenian-born Stefan Mitrovic, 40, who lives in Qawra, admitted to stealing sunglasses and perfumes from two outlets.
“I’m guilty. I’m very, very sorry,” declared the accused, as he limped towards his seat at the dock.
Inspector Colin Sheldon informed duty magistrate Josette Demicoli that all the stolen goods had been recovered and were to be handed back to their owners.
Legal aid lawyer Francina Abela pointed out the accused’s early guilty plea and clean criminal record when making submissions on punishment.
The court condemned the accused to a four-month jail term suspended for one year.
“You will not be going to prison today,” said the magistrate, warning the man of the consequences of ignoring the terms of the sentence.
“Thank you” the accused meekly replied as he made his way out of the room.