Charged with stealing a safe

A Marsa man was yesterday charged with stealing a safe containing some Lm8,000 in cash and valuables from a Mosta house.

Martin Pirotta, 29, pleaded not guilty to stealing the safe from George Schembri's residence on Sunday at about noon, handling stolen property and relapsing.

Dr Ian Farrugia, for Pirotta, asked for bail but Police Inspector Jeffrey Cilia, prosecuting, objected arguing that Pirotta had already tried to tamper with evidence by telling his girlfriend to lie about his alibi and he had not cooperated with the police.

Magistrate Abigail Lofaro turned down the bail request and Pirotta was remanded in custody.