A 56-year-old Maltese man was arrested charged with theft and placed under probation after he robbed food items from delivery vans to feed himself. 

The man, who lives in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, was charged with six instances of theft after robbing vans that were delivering food to establishments in Merchants’ Street, Valletta between 28th June and 5th July.

Inspector Daryl Borg testified that police started investigating the case after reports were filed at the Valletta police station. CCTV footage analysis and early morning patrols led to the arrest of the man, who admitted to robbing the food items because he needed to eat.

The total value of the food was estimated to be €471.

Josette Sultana, who acted as the man’s legal aid lawyer, said the man suffered serious financial problems after he was hit by a garnishee order and stole the food – “fish fingers and other similar items” –  to feed himself. 

Magistrate Josette Demicoli found the man guilty of theft, placed him under an 18-month probation period and told him he will “find help” if he attends regular sessions with his probation officer.