A father and son from Floriana were remanded in custody today after being charged with stealing a Mercedes for parts and then setting it on fire.

Alfred Tonna 49 and his 16 year-old son, who cannot be named due to his age were arraigned before magistrate Joe Mifsud this morning, accused of the crime.

Inspector Fabian Fleri, Jonathan Ransley and Lydon Zammit charged the pair with aggravated theft, voluntarily setting fire to the car. Alfred Tonna was further charged with breaching a suspended sentence and recidivism. His son was also further charged with breaching the conditions of a court judgment.

The Mercedes was stolen from Gudja and was dismantled for parts before being set ablaze.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges and asked for bail.

Inspector Fleri objected and explained that there were civilian witnesses including a young child who were yet to testify. The charges were of “a certain gravity” he said.

The father was a recidivist several times over, he said.

Lawyer Alfred Abela argued that the crime had taken placein April, if the accused were going to influence any witnesses this would already have happened he said, arguing that the court could impose conditions.

The court, however, refused bail and ordered the pair be remanded in custody.