A young man accused of theft called his legal aid an 'idiot' and attempted to negotiate a sentence in court this afternoon, only for the magistrate not to approve a request for bail.

23-year-old Yousef Essesi, a resident in St Julian's, was charged with a string of thefts, being in possession of tear-gas, breaching public order and committing a crime during the operative term of a suspended sentence.

Before charges were read in court, Mr Essesi requested that journalists are not present, however Magistrate Miriam Hayman turned down his request, telling him that such criminal proceedings are open to the press. 

While legal aid Chris Chircop attempted to make a request for bail, the young man kept shouting from the accused's bench, claiming the lawyer is not representing his views. He then questioned what the maximum penalty is should he plead guilty, for the magistrate to reply 'Do you think you're buying cheesecakes here?'

She warned him not to speak from the bench or he would be charged with contempt of court. Before leaving the courtroom, Mr Essessi hissed the word "idiot" at his legal aid Dr Chircop.

The thefts he is being charged with were carried out between December 2014 and April 2015 and included cash, jewelry and an iPhone 5S. He is also charged with breaking in houses at Gzira to steal the items.

He has been remanded in custody.