Valletta man refused bail

A 34-Year-Old Valletta man was yesterday remanded in custody after he was accused of stealing a Pioneer stereo from a car in San Gwann on Thursday afternoon. Michael Zahra was also charged with damaging the vehicle and with attempting to steal another...

A 34-Year-Old Valletta man was yesterday remanded in custody after he was accused of stealing a Pioneer stereo from a car in San Gwann on Thursday afternoon. Michael Zahra was also charged with damaging the vehicle and with attempting to steal another Pioneer stereo in December.

He was further accused of carrying a knife without a licence and of relapsing. Defence counsel Beppe Fenech Adami requested bail, but the prosecution - led by Police Inspectors Mario Bonello and Carmelo Magri - objected, saying that Mr Zahra's life was not on the right track, and that his criminal record showed he was not to be trusted. The prosecution argued that for Mr Zahra's own safety he should be remanded in custody.

Duty magistrate Miriam Hayman turned down the request for bail. She recommended that the prison director grant Mr Zahra all the permitted facilities to attend a drug rehabilitation programme, which the accused intended to embark on.

She also recommended that Mr Zahra be allowed to attend an Employment and Training Corporation programme.

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