A couple who have been living in a garage and claimed they are going to have a baby were taken to court yesterday, charged with stealing a number of items from residences in Balzan and Birkirkara.

Josef Sharfid, 35, and Natasha Jane Mullaney, 30, had been living in a garage in Marsascala.

They were charged with committing thefts from two residences in Birkirkara on the afternoon of 16 February, and from a residence in Balzan on the afternoon of 20 February.

They were also accused of trying to break into one of the Birkirkara residences again three days later. Josef Sharfid alone was accused of relapsing.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them and were granted bail against a deposit of €100 each. Josef Sharfid’s conditions include a €10,000 deposit, while his girlfriend’s include a deposit of €5,000.

The court also noted that Ms Mullaney will be moving in with her mother in Marsa.

Police inspectors Joseph Mercieca and Bernard Spiteri prosecuted, while legal aid lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the accused.