Accused of theft

A 22-year-old man from Birkirkara was yesterday remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to stealing over €2,239 (Lm1,000) in cash from Lo Squero restaurant in Floriana to the detriment of Visage Electronics.

Wayne Falzon pleaded not guilty to stealing the cash and causing damage to a vending machine inside the establishment on Tuesday.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona heard Mr Falzon also plead not guilty to stealing under €233 (Lm100) in clothing from Gas Jeans in Republic Street, Valletta at 7 p.m. on Monday and relapsing.

Before remanding Mr Falzon in custody, the magistrate said Mr Falzon should not push his drug problems onto society especially since he had already been previously granted bail on drug-related charges and has pending cases.

Police Inspector Pierre Micallef Grimaud told the court that Mr Falzon was in dire need of help and recommended that he start a drug rehabilitation programme.

Lawyers Josè Herrera and Veronique Dalli were defence counsel.