Jailed for breaching bail conditions

A man charged with theft from his elderly parents was yesterday remanded in custody after admitting to breaching his bail conditions.

After the mother passed away, a devastated octogenarian father and his own brothers reported Reno Grech, 54, also known as Nazzareno, to the police for stealing from his parents.

After being granted bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000, Mr Grech failed to sign the bail book, as per court order, and had also contacted his father, which he was barred from doing, Police Inspector Fabian Fleri said yesterday.

Mr Grech pleaded guilty and Magistrate Michael Mallia fined him €250 and remanded him in custody pending the judgement on his theft charges.

Previously, lawyer Anna Mallia, who appeared parte civile for the father, explained in court how the old man had called her up in tears about the situation, pointing out that his wife had died since the incidents which led to his son being charged.

Defence lawyer José Herrera said his client had been going through a particularly bad period in his life.

He had moved into his parent's home for personal reasons and had an argument with his siblings over what the parents would do with their property once they died.

"Even when I call him up it is evident that he does not register what I 'am telling him" he added. Dr Herrera said Mr Grech had been sleeping at his warehouse, which is where the police inspector can contact him.

Mr Fleri said he tried a number of times to contact the accused but it was simply not possible. "He either does not answer his mobile phone or answers and then cuts".