A masonry restorer was yesterday charged with stealing items from churches when he was a teenager and trying to sell one particularly expensive item on the website Maltapark.

The man, who is now 21, cannot be named because he was a minor when he allegedly stole an 18th Century wooden pedestal worth €2,500 and four wooden candle holders worth less than €2,000. He denies the charges.

He took the items when given the opportunity to ring the church bells during the feasts at Maria Annunzjata in Market Square in Tarxien and St Dominic’s in Valletta, Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit told the court.

Taking the witness stand, the officer said that he began investigating after two helpers from the Tarxien church said they recognised a stolen pedestal on Maltapark.com which was for sale at €500.

The police carried out a search of his home and the item in question was found together with four candle holders, picture frames and an old certificate belonging to a priest, Fr Rafaello Mamo, the Inspector said.

In a police statement, the accused admitted to stealing the candle holders and the pedestal from the two churches when he was asked to ring the bells during the feasts. He also said that after restoring the pedestal he decided to sell it on Maltapark.

The case continues.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for the man.