A 30-year-old French national was arraigned before the courts charged with theft.

The man, Salah M'Raoui, was charged with theft which exceeds the €2,300. The burglary happened on 20 July at around 3:30pm to the expense of a UK resident living in Malta. He also stood charged with driving a car without the necessary insurance.

Inspector Silvio Magro, who led the prosecution explained how when the man was approached for questioning, the accused told the police that they were being racists. According to the prosecution, the accused even challenged the police inspector for a fight.

The man, who used to live in Paris, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and requested bail.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud, who presided over the case, denied bail for the accused.

Lawyer Francina Abela appeared for the accused.