An Egyptian man was yesterday accused of stealing Lm400 from a Birkirkara couple.

Issa Isslam Tawfik Issa, 32, who resides in Balzan, was accused of stealing the sum from the couple’s house on 11 July.

A backup charge of misappropriation was also filed against the accused. Police inspectors Rita Criminale and Ramon Mercieca said that when the police went to the accused’s house, he did not answer the door and they then had to get in through the window.

He claimed he was ill, when this was clearly not the case, said the prosecution team. The court, presided over by magistrate Lawrence Quintano set bail against a deposit of Lm500 and a personal guarantee of Lm1,000.