Adel Dawah, a Syrian man living in Mosta, was remanded in custody yesterday, after he pleaded not guilty to stealing a mobile phone from a man, and holding him against his will on two occasions.

The court, presided over by magistrate Edwina Grima, heard Police Inspector Carmelo Magri charge Mr Dawah, 39, with stealing a mobile phone from a man, holding the man against his will and slightly injuring him, on 21 January around 7.50pm in Floriana and also a week later, on 28 January at about 7.30pm in Floriana.

Mr Dawah was also accused of slightly injuring the man on Sunday at 4pm in Floriana and causing less than e116.47 in damages to his jacket. Furthermore, he was charged with dealing in stolen goods and being in possession of a sharp and pointed object without a police licence.

Magistrate Grima denied bail and he was remanded in custody.

Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for the accused.