Man charged with stealing €80,000 in brass items

Keith Pace, 32 of Marsa, was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to stealing brass items from the Customs' impound.

The accused faced charges of stealing two brass propellers, defrauding various individuals and handling stolen property. The value of the stolen brass is claimed to be around €80,000.

The prosecution said a number of suspects had been arrested over the theft of brass. Although Pace was not personally apprehended by the police, because he could not be found, it was the accused who called in at the Hamrun police station. He was later told he was being arrested over the theft of the propeller.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi argued that the police had followed an irregular procedure in this arraignment, by asking the accused to voluntarily call at the police station from where he was later arrested.

Additionally, a copy of the arrest warrant was never given to the accused, and that the defence was only aware of the warrant when it was presented in court.

Pace, who is a relapser, requested bail on condition that he is placed in residence at the Mount Carmel Hospital, to receive medical treatment. Pace was already granted bail in other court proceedings.

Police Inspector Arthur Mercieca objected to the request, given the seriousness of the case and the risk of talking to other witnesses. The prosecution stated the accused was not trustworthy.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia decreed that based on the accused's police conduct and in order to avoid tampering of evidence, the court should remand the accused in custody. Farrugia also ordered the Director of Prisons to take note of Pace's medical history and take necessary measures.

The court ordered that the Commissioner of Police be informed of the alleged procedural mishaps in order for the police to further investigate the allegations.

Meanwhile, Mario Farrugia was also accused with theft of brass. Farrugia, 43, of Santa Venera was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges of theft and handling stolen property. He was also charged with relapsing and skipping bail.

The two men attempted to flee the scene in a white vehicle, but were apprehended by the police and arraigned the owner of the field. The stolen items were found in a field belonging to the accused.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia held the accused is a witness in the case of Keith Pace who was also arraigned today. Since both accused were remanded in custody, the authorities of prisons are to take the necessary steps to avoid tampering of evidence.

Inspectors Arthur Mercieca, Kylie Borg and Carlo Cordina prosecuted while Dr Arthur Azzopardi appeared for the accused.