A man charged with stealing several gold items including chalices from the Mater Dei Hospital chapel told the police he was better off in jail.

Simon Chircop, 44, of Gzira, pleaded not guilty to the theft to the detriment of the Capuchin Friars.

Police inspector Fabian Fleri told the court the accused was caught red-handed by the security officers at the hospital yesterday evening.

He was also accused of relapsing.

In objecting to bail, Insepctor Feri said the accused had told the police he was better off in jail. He lived in a field opposite the hospital as his mother did not want him home because of his drug and alcohol problem.