A homeless man has been remanded in custody after he admitted to a string of shoplifting charges.

The man, 36, who lives in a homeless shelter, was arrested after he was identified from CCTV. He stole items from food stores in Imriehel and Attard. He was later arrested in Birkirkara.

The man admitted to the thefts during the police interrogation. He also admitted to the charges when he was arraigned on New Year’s Eve.

Legal aid lawyer Anthony Bonnici asked the court for a pre-sentencing report, given the circumstances the accused had faced before he committed the crime. A request for bail was made.

The prosecution did not object, noting that the man had admitted at an early stage and had already started the procedure to undergo a drug rehabilitation programme with Caritas.

Bail was however denied in view of the fact that the accused does not have a fixed address and is a relapser. He is being held at the Corradino Correctional Facility.