Father and son arraigned over snatch and grab

A father and son from Fgura were remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges of a snatch and grab, and relapsing.

The two were charged with stealing a purse from 67-year-old Rose Galea in Birzebbugia and attempting to steal the handbag of 76-year-old Giuseppa Mifsud in Zejtun. Mifsud suffered slight injuries during the attempted theft. Both father and son were also accused of relapsing.

Legal aid lawyer Dr Joseph Ellis requested bail, however Inspector Carlos Cordina objected. He argued that Redeemer Theuma, 26, who occasionally works as a painter, and his unemployed father Anthony Theuma, 43, could tamper with evidence.

Cordina added that the accused were known to the police and both father and son were previously convicted over charges of theft. The inspector held that the Theumas were not deemed trustworthy enough to be granted bail.

Both father and son were remanded in custody.

A third person, Caroline Haidon yesterday pleaded guilty when arraigned in court over the same charges.

A court presided by Magistrate heard that the 30-year-old from Marsascala has a serious drug problem. However the accused collaborated with the police and was said to be willing to address her drug problem.

The court handed Haiden a four-year suspended jail term and placed her under a probation order for four years.

Inspectors Carlos Cordina and Carol Fabri prosecuted in both cases.