Four youths, aged between 17 and 22, were yesterday charged in connection with thefts from garages in Luqa.

Three of the youths, Clifton Buttigieg, 22, of Santa Lucia, Wayne Briffa, 20 of Marsascala and a 17-year-old who cannot be named were accused that last Monday they stole a van, a number of Melita Cable decoders, car headlights and tools. They were also accused of attempting to steal other objects from garages in Rixtellu Street, Luqa.

The fourth youth, Etienne Buttigieg, 20, of Paola was accused of receiving stolen goods.

The three older youths pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody. The youngest of the lot pleaded guilty to most of the accusations brought up against him and was granted bail on a personal guarantee of Lm500 and was put under probation pending judgment.

Dr Franco Debono and Dr Daniela Mangion appeared for the defence.