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A man wanted over the theft of two ponies from a farm hid behind a wardrobe every time officers turned up at his house, a court heard yesterday.

Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit told Magistrate Edwina Grima the police had been looking for Carmelo Dalli, 53, from Cospicua, on suspicion that he had stolen two Shetland ponies from a farm in Tarxien in July.

He said the police went every day, as they knew he was unemployed, and were told he was not there by his wife.

Armed with a warrant, the police searched the house because they were almost certain that he was inside.

Mr Dalli was found hidden in an opening in the bedroom wall behind a wardrobe.

Mr Zammit said Mr Dalli was suspected of theft after he was mentioned by the man who bought the two ponies, who the police traced after he registered the animals.

Mr Dalli was also accused of breaching the conditions of two previous suspended sentences that were handed down in June and July this year and relapsing.

He was granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Lawyers José Herrera and Franco Debono appeared for the accused.