Two charged with shopping mall theft

Two men were yesterday charged with trespassing into the Gallerija Shopping Complex in Fgura and stealing Lm300 from an amusement machine.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi heard Christopher Shepherd, 34, of Paola and Marvin Pavia, 26, of Fgura plead not guilty to stealing the money to the detriment of Joseph Zammit on Monday night.

They also pleaded not guilty to causing over Lm50 damage to the machine and to a soffit at the complex.

Shepherd was further charged with relapsing, breaching the conditions of 13 previous releases.

After hearing lengthy submissions on bail, the magistrate noted that Shepherd's criminal record was "like a novel" and granted him bail on condition he does not leave his home without court permission.

Both Shepherd and Pavia were bound by a personal guarantee of Lm10,000 each.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted.

Dr Franco Debono and Dr Michael Sciriha appeared for the defendants.