A man accused of theft was yesterday granted bail on condition that he starts and successfully completes a drug rehabilitation programme.

Joseph Scerri, 39, from St Paul’s Bay, was accused of stealing a number of aluminum apertures from a residence in his hometown. He was also accused of receiving stolen goods, damaging other people’s property and relapsing. He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Police Inspector Raymond Cassar told the court that the accused has a drug problem and had told the police that he did not need the aluminum apertures but stole them just the same in order to finance his habit.

The inspector said Mr Scerri was caught red-handed as he was loading the apertures in his van. He said the police had received information about two people stealing but only Mr Scerri was caught. The identity of the second person is still not known.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani heard the accused request bail. She acceded to this request on condition that he starts and successfully completes a drug rehabilitation programme and put this as one of his bail conditions. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm5,000.

Police Inspector Raymond Cassar prosecuted while Dr Patrick Valentino appeared for the accused.