A homeless young man has been charged with breaking into an unused Sliema property whilst drunk to wash his face and use the bathroom.

Mohamed Hassan Ismail, 24, from Somalia was accused of the break in which occurred yesterday morning on Nicolo Isouard Street in Sliema.

Inspector Bernardette Valletta told magistrate Charmaine Galea how Ismail had smashed a window to gain access to the property and make use of its facilities. He was charged with wilful damage to property, violation of property to the prejudice of the owner and being drunk and incapable of taking care of himself in a public place.

Assisted by lawyer Christopher Chircop as legal aid, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bail was not requested. Ismail was remanded in custody