A woman today was remanded in custody for allegedly lodging a false theft report to police.

The woman, who claimed to be Roberto Castelli (a man's name), but had earlier given the name of Fernanda Rodriguez, initially told police that two Italian youths had stolen her hotel room key, mobile phone and cash after they allegedly spent some time in her hotel room. But after the police started to look into the claims, it turned out that the items which she claimed had been stolen from her by the two youths were found to be inside her hotel room.

It emerged in court that the youths - who admitted that they had consumed a good amount of alcohol - allegedly paid her 50 euros in return for sexual favours. The youths told the court that they had seen her in Paceville and went over to the hotel she was staying in. One of the youths said that he was in Paceville and on the way back home - as he was about to stop for a quick bite - was approached by police who accused him and his friend of stealing a number of items from Castelli. Castelli was accompanying the police at the time. The two were arrested but released soon after the investigations were carried out. The police then arrested her for allegedly filing a false report.

The prosecution argued that the woman gave different names and surnames to the police and therefore, since her identity has not been established so far, asked the court to deny her bail out of fear she absconds. The police said that the name Fernanda Rodriguez turned out to be her cousin.

The case is set to continue on 11 February. Police Inspector Carol Fabri prosecuted.