Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/765642
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2016 News 8 Thursday TVM 20:50 Addict admits to stealing Community Chest Fund collection boxes MATTHEW AGIUS A pilferer of charity collection boxes has been placed on proba- tion and ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme. Jason Gatt, 37, from Paola ad- mitted to having stolen four Malta Community Chest Fund collec- tion boxes from shops in Fgura, Tarxien and Cospicua between 13 and 18 December. He was also charged with having escaped from the Paola police station on the 19th. Prosecuting police inspector Chantelle Casha explained that the man had been captured on CCTV in the act of taking the boxes. The man also had previous convictions for theft, the inspec- tor added. Gatt's defence lawyer, Yanika Bugeja, said that the accused had a substance abuse problem and was seeking help. She suggested a probation and treatment order, adding that the accused was eager to start rehab. "This is not a frequent offend- er" highlighted the lawyer, after pointing out that his last convic- tion was in 2010. Magistrate Claire-Louise Sta- frace explained to the accused that although there was a wait- ing time of around a month to be admitted to a drug rehabilitation programme, he would receive any medical assistance necessary in the meantime. The court initially seemed to be leaning towards imposing a sus- pended sentence and a supervi- sion order, but Gatt's lawyer suc- cessfully argued that the crimes didn't merit a possible custodial sentence hanging over him for three years. "The theft is simple theft, not ag- gravated," the lawyer said, adding that the crime was "actually banal and stupid." His suspended sen- tence might make it difficult for him to find work because it would be reflected on his criminal re- cord, she said. "He deserves a sec- ond chance. He has the will to un- dergo a drug rehab programme... the previous conviction was in 2010, but the previous crime took place some 7 years ago." The court said it felt it would be giving him a chance by imposing a suspended sentence, that he need- ed a graver deterrent, noting a re- cent spike in numbers of breached probation orders. "He has a serious problem. To steal collection boxes full of one cent coins you must be stupid...I wouldn't waste my energy fighting for someone who doesn't want to reform himself." The court, having seen the charges and the guilty plea, found Gatt guilty and placed him under probation for three years, also im- posing a treatment order for that period. The court warned the ac- cused that he faced a fine of over €1,000, "amongst other repercus- sions," if he in any way breached the probation order. Police CEO to be installed by end of year PAUL COCKS THE first chief executive of- ficer of the Police Force should be announced by the end of the year, administrative processes permitting, and pending the fi- nal approval of the conditions by the candidate himself, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said yesterday. Interviews have been held with all 21 applicants, and a preferred candidate has been selected and informed of the decision. Abela, who was speaking at a press conference before par- liament started debating the amendments in a second read- ing, said this was an important step in the modernisation pro- cess of the Corps. He said the modernisation was not geared solely towards upgrading equipment and fa- cilities, but also in the mental- ity and approach adopted by all members of the corps. Chief among amendments is the creation of a board of gov- ernance that will be responsible for setting the force's strategy and direction and which will implement government's plans for the force. Strengthening and increasing police presence in the commu- nities is an important aspect of government's strategy, Abela said. The position of chief executive officer will also be established under the amendments, as pro- posed in the Labour Party's electoral manifesto, to com- plement the work of the police commissioner. Abela said the bill also stipu- lated that parliament discuss the board of governance's an- nual report, while other docu- ments would be discussed within the House Social Affairs Committee. The police internal investiga- tions unit will be expanded to also be in charge of carrying out internal audits. The Police Board's func- tions and compositions will be amended under the bill though it will continue to serve as an in- vestigative body for complaints brought against the force by the public or the police themselves. Abela said the main purposes of the bill was to have a for- ward-looking police force, that works seamlessly with foreign counterparts. As to whether having the gov- ernment appoint the board of governance would stif le the corps' independence, the minis- ter said he felt that this would open up decision-making while diminishing subjectivity in is- sues like appointments and pro- motions. A new board of governance will be responsible for setting the strategy and direction for the police force, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela said