Updated: Thief jailed for stealing necklace

A 29-year-old man from Valletta was today jailed for seven months after he pleaded guilty to snatching a €440 gold necklace from an 89-year-old man in Triq Marsaxmett, Valletta this morning. Johann Xerri, who has a severe drug problem, was on his way to cash in a €5 food coupon provided by the church. Magistrate Neville Camilleri also brought into force a two year jail term suspended for four years for a similar incident a month ago, bringing his total jail time to two years and seven months. Police Inspector Kylie Borg said that while Mr Xerri had cooperated with the police and the necklace was returned to the victim immediately, he did break a suspended sentence and the victim was elderly and very vulnerable. Dean Hili appeared for the accused.