A 28-year-old man was charged yesterday with stealing a computer, monitor and keyboard worth e908 and e600 in cash from a house in Paola.

Jason Gatt, from Paola, pleaded not guilty to stealing the items property of Giuseppi Pisani on Thursday as well as wilfully causing more than e116 in damage to the man’s property.

The court, presided over by magistrate Michael Mallia, heard how the accused had drug related problems.

He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of e1,000.

Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit prosecuted while Dr Nicole Grima was defence counsel.