Theft suspect held after car chase

Alfred Bugeja, known as Il-Porporina, is expected to be arraigned this morning accused of stealing a car and handbags.

Mr Bugeja, 53, attracted the police's attention yesterday morning when he sped off as he spotted a police car approaching, sources said. The police car gave chase and the Mini Minor, which the sources said was stolen, shot through Valletta's streets, which Mr Bugeja is familiar with because he lives there, with police cars on its tail. The small blue car was soon surrounded and, with nowhere left to go, Mr Bugeja gave himself up.

The sources said the police found a number of handbags inside the car, which are suspected to have been stolen.

Mr Bugeja was arrested and is expected to appear before Duty Magistrate Anthony Vella.

Mr Bugeja has been convicted several times, mostly on theft charges and assaulting guards and police officers. Two months ago he was rushed to hospital from court after taking an exorbitant amount of pills, after which he was remanded in custody and was recently released.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com