A 38-year-old man from Żabbar was remanded in custody today after being charged with a string of aggravated thefts committed on 24 November in the southern part of Malta.

The man was charged with the theft of diesel from a Toyota van parked in Valperga Street, Fgura owned by a man from Sliema and an Isuzu truck parked at the Corradino Industrial Estate belonging to a Paola resident.

The accused was also accused of stealing the battery of a Mercedes van parked in Silver Jubilee Street, Vittoriosa. The man was also charged with having traded in stolen goods.

The court, presided by magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, heard how the accused admitted to the thefts when shown relative footage by the investigating officers.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody, while the court recommended that he ought to be kept at Mount Carmel.

Inspectors Spiridione Zammit and Chantelle Casha prosecuted. Lawyer Noel Camilleri was counsel to the accused.