A Libyan man residing in Valletta was placed under house arrest yesterday after pleading not guilty to trying to steal a handbag from a woman in Freedom Square, Valletta on Sunday at 8.45pm.

Gamhur Kaled Mohammed Ben, 28, was also charged of assaulting and threatening a police sergeant.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi placed the man under house arrest against a personal guarantee of e2329.37 (Lm1,000).

Police Inspector Pierre Micallef-Grimaud prosecuted while Dr Anthony Cutajar was appointed legal aid for the accused.