A man charged with attempted theft yesterday used his right in court by refusing to reply to any of the court’s questions and also refused to file a plea.

According to law, when someone accused of a crime does not file a plea, it will be automatically assumed that he is pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him. Although the questions asked by the court, such as his name and address and whether he is employed or unemployed, are simple questions, a defendant has the right not to reply to these questions.

James Vella, 25, from Santa Venera, was charged with attempting to rob two private residences owned by elderly people in Naxxar early on Sunday morning. He was also charged with damaging the front doors of both residences.

Defence counsel Franco Debono requested the court to rule that his client’s arrest was unwarranted. But magistrate Joe Cassar, after listening to police inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi, ruled that Mr Vella’s arrest was warranted.

Mr Vella was granted bail against deposit of Lm100 and a personal guarantee of Lm100. He was also ordered not to approach Naxxar.

Police inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono appeared for the defendant.