Addict back in court days after being granted bail

Charles Sciberras, 39, of Santa Lucia was this morning remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to stealing from a car in Qormi last Sunday – the second time in five days that he has been arraigned in court.

On Friday, Sciberras, who is unemployed and has drug problems, was granted bail after pleading not guilty of stealing clocks from two courtrooms.

On handing down his judgment last Friday, the Magistrate slammed the accused for his repeated offences, claiming that “he could write a book about his court appearances.”

But despite being chided by the court last week, Sciberras was back in court today, this time accused of stealing items from a car in Qormi, of damaging the car, and of breaching bail conditions.

The court heard how the owner of the car, Lawrence Micallef, caught the accused smashing in the window of his car before pulling out the radio.

Prosecuting inspector Jason Francis Sultana told the court that Sciberras promised the victim to pay him for the damages as long as he did not report the theft to the police.

Nevertheless, the theft was subsequently reported to the police and Sciberras was apprehended on site.

In handing down the judgment, Magistrate Anthony Vella denied bail and remanded the man in custody, claiming that he is not trustworthy.

Inspectors Jason Francis Sultana and Joseph Agius prosecuted while Allesandro Lia was legal aid.