Handbag thief remanded in custody

An Msida man was this morning remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to stealing an elderly woman’s handbag and then attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM using her card. 

The court heard how 24 year-old recovering drug addict Clifton Attard had snatched 71-year-old Carmela Apap's handbag in Gzira on Monday evening, causing her slight injuries.

Twenty minutes later, he attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM machine using her bank card. 

Luckily for the victim, an eyewitness who happened to know the accused observed the entire incident and passed on thief’s details to the police. CCTV footage from the ATM further confirmed the identity of the accused. 

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri requested bail, arguing that the prosecution should have presented witnesses to court to testify at the first sitting and not rely on reports. 

Magistrate Ian Farrugia however denied the accused bail after taking into consideration the serious nature of the offence and the accused’s colourful criminal record.

The magistrate held that the accused could not be trusted as there was a real risk that he would attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

Police Inspectors James Grech and Jonathan Ransley prosecuted.