Joseph Portelli, 32, from Birkirkara pleaded not guilty to stealing the 28 paintings, one engraving and one drawing, 26 small coins and 21 medals, that are worth more than Lm1,000, from the judge’s Valletta residence on 5 April. He also denied damaging property and handling stolen goods.

Presiding Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima denied the defence attorney’s request for bail on the grounds that the crimes allegedly committed are of a serious nature and the case is still being investigated so therefore evidence may be tampered with.

The paintings and other items recovered by the police will be handed over to the National Art Museum this morning for safekeeping until the case is heard.

Inspectors Michael Mallia and Geoffrey Azzopardi prosecuted while Dr Ian Farrugia, Dr Gianfranco Gauci and Dr Philip Galea Farrugia appeared for the accused.