A homeless Georgian man was today remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to stealing from an eyewear store at the Malta International Airport.

Sasania Zaza, 45, from Abkhazia, was caught stealing two pairs of spectacles on CCTV. Footage which was later used to identify him showed the man place the stolen items in a bag. The shop is located in the public area of the airport.

The court, presided over by magistrate Monica Vella, was informed that the accused has a pending asylum application. Zaza told the court that he has nowehere to live ans said he would sleep by the sea.

Lawyer Noel Cutajar, representing the Georgian, said that despite the footage his client was pleading not guilty but would not be requesting bail.

The man was remanded in custody.  Inspector Louise Calleja prosecuted.