Man who robbed off-duty police officer denied bail

The last thing police officer Glenn Carabott had on his mind when he went to the beach with his girlfriend was that he would be the victim of a theft.

But when 'unlucky' Domenic Mercieca, 33 of Gzira, targeted a bag at Fond Ghadir beach in Sliema, little did he know that it belonged to the off-duty police officer and his girlfriend.

Carabott chased after Mercieca and caught him.

Pleading not guilty to theft charges and absconding from custody, Mercieca admitted to having a drug problem. He said he had already completed a rehabilitation programme at San Blas and was about to start another one today.

However, the court was told today's appointment was simply a review visit.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman denied him bail and remanded him in custody.

Lawyer Michael Schriha appeared for the accused.