Dingli man charged with multiple shop thefts

A 26-year-old Dingli resident has been remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to charges of simple theft, this morning.

Annise Bejaoui, who has previous convictions for theft, appeared before Magsitrate Neville Camilleri this morning, accused of breaking into two Birkirkara shops during the night of the 12 July. Bejaoui was charged with aggravated theft, several counts of voluntary damage, breaching two sets of previous bail conditions and recidivisim.

Inspector John Spiteri, prosecuting, also requested the court confiscate his bail bond.

Prompted by his lawyer, Bejaoui pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence lawyer Patrick Valentino, appointed as legal aid, informed the court that he would not be seeking bail at this stage, but requested that the accused be held at Mount Carmel Hospital’s forensic ward.

The court acceded to this request and ordered the necessary arrangements be made.