Seybel Grech, one of three young individuals recently brought to court for various charges, including the theft of five cars and a quad bike, has received a two-year suspended prison sentence, along with three years of probation. At the age of 18, Grech was also found guilty of possessing two stolen cars from Raħal Ġdid. Two other co-accused, aged 18 and 14, are facing charges related to the possession of two additional stolen cars from Birżebbuġa. The main accused, Grech, also faces charges for possessing another stolen car from Imsida and a quad bike from Ħaż-Żabbar. He is further accused of using a falsified Colombian passport, failing to report it to the police, and violating a probation order issued almost a year ago in a separate case.
In addition to possessing two stolen cars, the 16-year-old co-accused is also facing charges for possessing a stolen electric scooter and not reporting it to the police.
Grech’s sentencing was scheduled for Thursday at 9 am. No request for bail release was made. While the prosecution insists on actual imprisonment due to the offense during probation, the defense argues that, now at 18, imprisonment with adult criminals may not be beneficial. They emphasize the necessity for a specialized program considering underlying issues.
Regarding the two minor defendants, the Court ordered their identities remain confidential, and their cases be transferred to the Juvenile Court. The defense requested their release from custody, which the prosecution did not oppose, provided strict conditions are enforced.
Presided over by Magistrate Astrid May Grima, the Court issued temporary supervision orders until the Juvenile Court’s sentencing. They must report daily to the local police station and remain at home between 7 pm and 6 am. They were granted release on a deposit of €500 each, along with a personal guarantee of €5,000 each. Grech, who received a two-year suspended prison sentence, will also be under probation for two years. Magistrate Grima encouraged Grech to distance himself from negative influences and expressed confidence in his ability to positively redirect his life for both himself and others.
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