Italian-born Maurizio Massimiliano appeared before Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima yesterday where he was charged with attempting to steal a car stereo from a Peugeot and actually stealing a remote control from a VW Polo, early on Wednesday morning in St Julian’s. He was also charged with causing damage worth more than Lm50 but less than Lm500 to both cars.

The man, who currently resides in Hamrun, allegedly insulted, threatened and assaulted seven police officers later that morning after he had been taken to St Julian’s police station.

Massimiliano was also charged with disobeying police orders, simulating an offence, breaching the peace and relapsing in view of previous convictions. He denied all the charges made against him.

The court denied the request for bail and the accused was remanded in custody. Inspector Martin Sammut prosecuted while Dr Malcolm Mifsud appeared for defence.