A 21-year-old man from Floriana has pleaded not guilty to stealing items from foreigners staying at the Hotel Fortina Spa Resort, Sliema, on Friday night.

Appearing before magistrate Lawrence Quintano, Oivend Xuereb was charged with stealing technological equipment, money and other items, the value of which exceeds Lm1,000. He was also charged with relapsing.

One of the alleged victims, Irish national Joseph Lacey, testified yesterday that he had noticed that his DVD video camera and a blue sapphire and diamond ring belonging to his wife had gone missing on Saturday at around 1pm.

Mr Lacey said the ring, which he had purchased for £250 about 25 years ago, had immense sentimental value for him and his wife and was irreplaceable. He estimated the value of the ring to have increased to about £1,000.

Mr Xuereb was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm2,000 and a deposit of Lm200. The case continues.

Police Inspector Malcolm Spiteri prosecuted and Dr David Farrugia Sacco appeared for the accused.