Relapser charged with petty theft

Real estate agent Robert Farrugia, 44 from Zurrieq pleaded not guilty after he was arraigned before Magistrate Josette Demicoli on charges of stealing a watch and €15 cash from a vehicle in Cirkewwa, the attempted theft from another vehicle and of being in possession of tools that may be used for burglary without a satisfactory explanation.

Farrugia was also charged with committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.

Inspector Saviour Baldacchino, prosecuting, made reference to previous sentences in his regard and requested the court treat the accused as a recidivist. Baldacchino objected to bail as there were witnesses who are yet to testify.

Lawyer Robert Montaldo, appearing for Farrugia, argued that the incident took place in Cirkewwa, whilst the accused lives in Zurrieq. The identities of the witnesses are not known to the accused and, in the circumstances, the possibility of contact was slight, he said.

The court granted the accused bail against a deposit €1,500 and a personal guarantee of €4,000, however it remanded him in custody until his passport and ID card could be retrieved from his home and deposited in court later today.

Farrugia was also placed under a curfew and ordered not to approach witnesses or the vicinity of Mellieha or Cirkewwa.