Accused of car theft

A young man who has already been in prison twice on theft charges was yesterday remanded in custody after being charged with stealing a car from a car park in Sliema on Friday.

Saviour Cachia, 24, who said in court he did not have a fixed address, was charged with stealing a Citroen C3 from the car park. The car had been left with its keys inside because the parker had requested the driver to leave them there.

He was further charged with stealing a stereo from the car and with damaging the car and a wall when he crashed into a house in Triq l-Ingilterra, Naxxar.

Cachia was further charged with driving without a licence and insurance cover and with being in possession of a balaclava and false keys that could be used to open locks, without explaining why they were in his possession. He was further charged with disobeying police orders and with running in a way that he could hurt someone.

Cachia was also charged with relapsing and with violating a probation order.

Cachia, who pleaded not guilty, was refused bail but the court, presided by Magistrate Dennis Montebello, said that it could consider bail when he could prove that someone was willing to shelter him so that he could have a fixed address.

Dr Saviour Brincat appeared for Cachia.

Inspector Kevin J. Farrugia prosecuted.