A 34-year-old man was charged with stealing several electric gardening tools and escaping from police custody over the past month.

Keith Pace, of Marsa, pleaded not guilty to stealing the tools, that included lawnmowers and electric garden trimmers, to the detriment of the Environmental Landscape Consortium among others on and before July 1.

He was also charged with escaping from police custody after officers, who investigated him over the theft charges, took him to hospital on his request on July 6.

Mr Pace was also charge with speeding, driving recklessly, assaulting police officers and disobeying police during his escape. He was also charged with threatening his former partner, breaching the conditions of several previous releases and relapsing,

His lawyers Marion Camilleri and Franco Debono made a request for bail on condition he attended a drug rehabilitation programme.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera remanded him in custody.

Police Inspectors Edel Mary Camilleri and Carlos Cordina prosecuted.

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