Indian man handed suspended sentence over mobile phone theft

An Indian man has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to the theft of a mobile phone and being in possession of a knife without authorisation.

During the course of the arraignment, the man, Gurpreet Sohal, became emotional due to alleged pain suffered after being beaten by “three men”, just before the police arrested him.

In view of this, presiding Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech ordered the police commissioner to launch an investigation into the claims being made by the accused. She also ordered the principal immigration officer to allow the accused to reside in Malta notwithstanding his status in his capacity as a victim to an alleged crime.

Medical attention was also ordered so that the accused’s alleged injuries are seen to.

Prosecuting inspector Elliot Magro stressed that officers had provided the accused with medical treatment upon his arrest.

It emerged in court that the accused had been residing in the Hal Far open centre but was removed due to the fact that he was not technically eligible to there. His status allows him to reside in Italy however Frendo Dimech maintained that safety and security must be assured across the board for all who are in Malta.

She found him guilty of the charges brought against him, sentenced him to 6 months imprisonment sentenced to 16 months and a €116 fine.