A man from Luqa was granted bail yesterday after he pleaded not guilty to stealing handbags from tourists who were enjoying the beach in Sliema.

Neil Andrew Vella, 31, pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing two bags to the detriment of Diane Schuler and Emilie Langer on Tuesday at around 3pm in Sliema.

He also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

The court, presided over by magistrate Audrey Demicoli, granted Vella bail against a personal guarantee of Lm1,000.

Police inspectors Daniel Zammit and Stephen Gatt prosecuted and Dr Robert Abela appeared for Mr Vella.