Two people this morning pleaded not guilty to stealing tombstone copper ornaments and another pleaded not guilty to buying the stolen goods.

Ronald Azzopardi, 24, of Zabbar and Joanne Ellul, 33, of Zejtun pleaded not guilty to stealing the items from the Addolorata cemetery in May. They were also charged with relapsing.

Mr Azzopardi also pleaded not guilty to stealing similar goods from the Gudja cemetery in April.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli said the accused had major drug problems.

In a separate arraignment held soon after,  Emanuel Hayman, 57, of Fgura, pleaded not guilty to receiving the stolen goods.

Inspector Portelli said that some nine sacks full of tombstone ornaments were found in his possession.

All three were remanded in custody.

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