Homeless man in quad bike chase faces 22 charges

Standing in the dock with ill-fitting clothed and dishevelled hair, the accused, Charles Gouder, 41, told Magistrate Francesco Depasquale that he is homeless but is currently staying with his mother.

Gouder was arraigned in court and charged with assaulting and injuring two police officers, various theft and relapsing.

The accused was arrested yesterday in Gudja, after a police chase. PC Colin Spiteri was patrolling the area of Tal-Barrani Road, Ghaxaq, when he spotted the accused driving a stolen quad bike. The officer signalled for Gouder to pull over but the driver sped up instead and, moments later, swerved into Spiteri's bike, causing him to crash. 

Mobile Squad officers managed to stop the quad bike in Gudja after having had to force it onto the pavement. The police also arrested Gouder's wife, who was a passenger on the quad bike.

A total of 22 charges were levelled against Gouder. 

Having allegedly stolen a Polaris quad bike from the street adjacent to the Addolorata Cemetery on 31 May, Gouder is also accused of stealing a set of number plates on 1 June, which he used on the quad bike.

Prior to driving the stolen quad bike, the accused is believed to have erased its chassis and engine number.

Magistrate Depasquale heard how between 1 and 3 June, the accused stole two car stereos and cash from vehicles in Gudja. He was also accused of driving a vehicle after the same Magistrate had suspended his driving licence three months ago, carrying an unlicensed penknife, handling stolen property and relapsing.

The accused pleaded not guilty and legal aid lawyer Joseph Ellis asked the court for bail but the prosecution objected.

Inspectors Joseph Mercieca and Arthur Mercieca told the court that the accused is a drug addict and has a hefty police record. The police also said that, given his age, Gouder is no longer a little boy and should know better.

Magistrate Depasquale said that, considering Gouder's past, it is obvious he has not learnt his lesson. Given the severity of the charges, he denied bail and Gouder was remanded in custody.

The case continues on 18 June.