A Filipino man has been remanded in custody over the theft of some €16,000 from his former employers.

Appearing before magistrate Joe Mifsud, 44-year-old Amadeo Montilla Manolo, pleaded guilty to stealing €16,000 in cash from a Balzan household where he used to work as a handyman.

The court head how the man had stolen the cash because of a gambling addiction he had.

Prosecuting inspector Roderick Spiteri told the court the accused had  cooperated with the police following his arrest, adding that he had shown remorse and a desire to make up for his mistake. In fact, he had returned €12,500 of €16,000 he had stolen.

The magistrate said the court wanted to send a strong message to anyone who intended to come to Malta and commit a crime against his employers.

The court acknowledged however that the man had cooperated with the police, while also expressing concern at the man’s apparent lack of living arrangements.

The man was denied bail, with his sentencing being deferred to Tuesday.