A 27-year-old from Xaghjra was yesterday accused of stealing antique jewellery and cash from the Zabbar parish church on Saturday night.

Aaron Axisa pleaded not guilty to theft, damaging the church and relapsing. He was denied bail.

The court was presided over by magistrate Doreen Clarke. Police inspectors Daniel Zammit and Fabian Fleri prosecuted and lawyer Charmaine Cherrett appeared for the accused.