Stolen car stereo ends up back at its owner’s outlet, court hears

A car stereo taken from a stolen van made its way back to the van’s original owner after the man it was sold on to went to get it installed in his own car, a court heard yesterday.

Abdulsalam Ben Hamed, 38, a Libyan residing in St Paul’s Bay, was yesterday charged with the theft of the van from Żebbuġ on April 19, trying to steal a crane on August 31, damaging cars in April, disobeying police orders and threatening the same officers on Monday. He denied the charges.

Mr Hamed allegedly sold the stereo to a man who works as a parker. The buyer then went to get it installed at the owner of the van, who happens to be a car stereo specialist. He immediately recognised the stereo.

Magistrate Marseann Farrugia remanded the accused in custody.

Police Inspector Sandra Zammit and Anthony Portelli prosecuted.