Wael Dawah Mahmoud, 39, who lives in San Gwann, allegedly stole more than Lm1,000 worth of items, to the detriment of Silvio Abela on 18 April sometime between 2 and 8am. He was also charged with handling stolen goods, breaching the terms of a conditional discharge and relapsing in view of previous convictions.

The man pleaded not guilty to all charges pressed against him and was denied bail. In court yesterday, Mahmoud declared he had a drug problem and said he was often dismissed from jobs because of his

previous convictions.

He also said he did not have the funds for an attorney and Dr Stefano Filletti was appointed to assist the accused. The court also ordered the man to get help for his drug addiction.

The court was presided over by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera and Inspector Carmelo Bartolo prosecuted.