A 25-year-old man from Kalkara was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to stealing a car in Hamrun on Saturday.

Before Magistrate Edwina Grima, Alan Grima pleaded not guilty also to dealing in stolen goods, causing less than e1,164.69 (Lm500) in damages at the detriment of the car’s owner, driving the car without wearing a seatbelt as well as without an insurance policy and a driving licence.

He was also accused of giving false particulars to a police officer, breaching a court order and relapsing.

Police Inspector Nezren Grixti prosecuted while Dr Daniela Mangion and Dr Gabrielle Buttigieg were defence counsel to the accused.