A man accused of stealing three vehicles in two weeks, crashing one of them, has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty during his arraignment this afternoon.

Kevin Joseph Camilleri, a 39-year old stone mason from Gharghur, appeared in the dock before Magistrate Ian Farrugia, charged with having stolen a Suzuki vehicle from St Paul's Bay, on the morning of November 24, driving the car under the influence of drugs or drink and without any insurance cover.

He was also accused of stealing a second car, a Ford, from Rabat on December 4, once again whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Camilleri was additionally accused of stealing a Toyota from Birzebbugia, which he crashed into another car after driving recklessly through the streets of Zejtun.

The collision is understood to have caused some €770 in damages for the owner of the stolen Toyota and some €100 for the owner of the other vehicle.

After his arrest, the man had been held at Mount Carmel Hospital, prosecuting Inspector Arthur Mercieca informed the court.

Lawyer Noel Cutajar, legal aid to the man entered a plea of not guilty. Bail was not requested.

The court ordered the man be remanded in custody, recommending that the Director of Prisons was to detain the man at Mount Carmel Hospital in the best interests of the accused.