Libyan refuses legal aid, admits to theft

A court has delayed the prosecution of a Libyan man, in spite of him repeatedly admitted to stealing items from a nightclub, as he refused legal assistance.

24 year old Ali Muftah turned down the assistance of a court-appointed legal aid lawyer several times during his arraignment before Magistrate Josette Demicoli.

Muftah insisted that he was guilty as charged, in spite of the his legal aid lawyer not being present in the courtroom. The court would not accept his admission, however as he had not consulted with a lawyer, something Muftah had trouble understanding.

“Why can’t I just plead guilty? I did it. I stole the bag from the bar so why can’t you just send me to jail and be done with it?” he asked the magistrate.

Police inspectors Matthew Spagnol and John Spiteri accused Muftah of snatching a bag containing birthday gifts which had just been given to a woman who had been celebrating her birthday with friends in Paceville.

In addition to theft, Muftah was found to be in possession of cannabis, for which he was also charged.  He was also accused of breaching bail conditions and a suspended sentence which he received June last year.

The case will continue on Tuesday when Muftah is to confirm his plea in the presence of his lawyer.

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