Self-confessed thief spared jail as court sees 'window of opportunity'

A self-confessed thief was spared jail after the court saw a “window of opportunity” through a probation officer's report stating that the man had marked “giant steps” in overcoming his drug problem. Keith Felice, a 32-year-old Tarxien resident, was facing the prospect of a five-year jail term over two muggings carried out within the space of a few hours in August last year. Armed with a stun gun, he first held up a woman in his hometown, making off with some €60 and a packet of cigarettes. Later that afternoon, he stole an iPhone from another woman in Marsascala.  When facing prosecution, the man registered an admission to the aggravated thefts, holding his victims against their will, possessing a weapon while committing a crime against the person as well as relapsing. Upon that admission, he was given a five-year effective jail term.  However, that sentence was quashed on appeal after the court, presided over by Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera, upheld an argument put forward by the lawyers assisting Felice at appeal stage.  The Court of Criminal Appeal observed a defect in the judgment which failed to state the legal provision in terms of which the accused was found...