Hassan Smaila Mohammed, 25, from Niger was today remanded in custody after he was caught trying to flee Malta for Italy by means of a catamaran using a false passport, breaching bail conditions.

He was out on bail on separate charges after he allegedly stole a number of mobile phones and having attempted to sell cannabis to a 15-year-old and another person who turned out to be a policeman last month.

Police Inspector Silvio Magro explained to the court that the man was placed on the wanted list after he failed to turn up at the St Julian’s police station over the theft of another mobile phone from St George’s Bay despite the fact that he assured police officers who contacted him that he would go to the police station.

Inspector Magro said that when they dialed the number of the stolen cell phone – a Samsung Note 3 - a woman answered the call and claimed that the mobile phone was sold to her by the accused. 

The police eventually established it was Mr Mohammed who allegedly sold her the stolen phone and he was contacted. But instead of reporting at the police station as instructed, the accused tried to flee Malta. He was caught by police on 25 August at 4 a.m. at Marsa Wharf.

No request was made for bail by his lawyer Abigail Bugeja but she asked the prosecution team to present any evidence it may have during the first sitting.

Police Inspectors Magro and Trevor Micallef prosecuted. Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras presided over the case.