Two arraigned for stealing car roof

Two young men with very different attitudes at finding themselves in court were yesterday charged with stealing a car roof, with one of them saying he had no reason to commit the crime.

Christian Bonello, 23, smirked at the police inspector while the charges were being read out and later pleaded not guilty to stealing the soft top while gallivanting, as his lawyer described the outing, with his friend Bryan Seguna, 20, on Tuesday evening.

Mr Seguna, who stood sheepishly in the dock, admitted to unclipping the roof worth €931 and taking it.

Defence lawyer Joseph Giglio in the pleas on punishment told the court that the arrest had come as a complete surprise to his family as there was no reason as to why he had to steal the car roof.

Describing the detachable covering as an anorak for a car, that is easily removed and replaced, Dr Giglio told the court that the item has been returned to the victim.

In his statement to the police, which was read out in court, Mr Seguna said: "I'm very sorry for what I did. I have no reason to do what I have done".

Dr Giglio also asked the court to consider that his client had fully cooperated with the police.

Mr Seguna was conditionally discharged for two years.

Mr Bonello's defence lawyer, Mark Busuttil, requested bail and told the court that the item stolen is not something extraordinary or of great value. He also asked the court to bear in mind that his client is innocent until proven otherwise.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted Mr Bonello bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000.

Police Inspector Alexander Grech prosecuted.