Prosecuting inspector I.J. Abdilla told the court about the incident that brought the two accused to court. He explained that as he and other police officers were walking through the Sunday market in Valletta they noted a suspicious-looking boy next to Martin Cachia’s stall.

“The boy grabbed a bag from next to the stall and began walking towards City Gate, said the inspector. “When he noticed he was being followed the boy started running and threw the bag on the ground. I grabbed it and the other officers caught the boy,” he continued.

The boy and the bag were taken to the police depot. The bag contained 468 cds – most of them computer games and music CDs, as well as one DVD.

Upon being interrogated, the boy explained that Mr Cachia had told him to grab the bag and walk towards City Gate, said the inspector.

Mr Cachia was also charged with relapsing in view of previous convictions.

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli presided over the court while Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for the accused.