Two accused of €20,000 burglary

A 23-year-old man from Bugibba and an Egyptian resident in Malta were this morning accused of stealing some €20,000 from a Dubai businessman's residence in Kappara last month.

Oivend Xuereb 23, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the burglary, which also included the theft of a set of diamonds and 26 mobile phones.

Naeim Shadi Mohammed Abdel Hady, 26, denied the charges.

Dr David Farrugia Sacco, defence counsel for Mr Xuereb, said his client had been passing through a difficult moment which included losing his job.

The prosecution said Mr Xuereb had collaborated with investigators, adding that the only item on his conduct sheet was involvement in a fight in 2004.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani denied requests for bail while she considered her sentence, noting that the cash and the other stolen items had not been recovered.