Plasterer accused of stealing

A plasterer who, together with another man, was allegedly caught red-handed stealing from an elderly man's house this weekend was arraigned yesterday.

Emanuel Attard, 57, of Żebbuġ was charged with stealing over €2,000 from the house of Francesco Vella, 72, in Triq l-Imħażen, Mdina before he was interrupted by the police. A relapser, he was also accused of damaging the victim's property during the break in.

Defence lawyer Ian Farrugia asked for bail but Police Inspector Daniel Zammit, who prosecuted together with Inspector Ramon Mercieca, objected arguing that Mr Attard's alleged accomplice was in hospital and had days if not weeks to recover.

It is understood that the alleged 35-year-old accomplice broke his leg when he jumped off a roof while trying to flee from the police.

Mr Attard was denied bail and was remanded in custody by Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima.