Libyan bag snatcher denied bail

A Libyan man who ran off with a bag he stole from a patron at a Paceville establishment whilst on bail for drug possession has been remanded in custody this afternoon.

24-year-old Ali Muftah appeared before Magistrate Doreen Clarke, charged with stealing the bag, which held gifts worth €100 and a wallet containing €25, from a woman at Hugo’s Terrace during the night between Wednesday and Thursday.

Together with the theft charges, Muftah was also charged with carrying a sharp and pointed instrument – in this case, a pair of scissors - on his person without the requisite police permit.

Police inspectors John Spiteri and Matthew Spagnol also accused the Libyan of cannabis possession, committing a crime whilst under a suspended sentence, breaching bail and relapsing.

Lawyer Leontine Calleja, appearing as legal aid for the accused, entered a plea of not guilty. As no request for bail was made, the court ordered he be remanded in custody.