The man who jumped off a roof in Mdina two years ago and broke a leg while being caught allegedly breaking into a house, was yesterday charged with another attempted burglary.

Christopher Scerri, 34, from Pieta, was charged with Mario Camilleri, 44, from Żebbuġ after they were caught red-handed inside a house in Żebbuġ.

The accused were apprehended by the Qormi District Police minutes after they had been informed that two people were breaking into a house at about 7.15am, when the owner was at Mass.

Two officers rushed to the scene and initially did not find anything suspicious.

However, close examination of the front door revealed tool marks next to the lock.

Although one of the officers did not see anyone inside when he looked through the letter box, he forced the door open and came face to face with the accused

Although one of the officers did not see anyone inside when he looked through the letter box, he forced the door open and came face to face with the accused.

The men pleaded not guilty to attempted theft, damaging the door and relapsing, while Mr Scerri alone denied breaching bail in three separate cases.

Police Inspector Fabian Fleri said that Mr Scerri had not signed the bail books in weeks and was in possession of a “questionable” medical certificate stating he was too ill to sign at his local police station.

Despite the medical certificate, he was still able to commit the crime, the inspector quipped.

He added both the accused have committed similar crimes in the past.

Magistrate Edwina Grima remanded them in custody.

Mr Scerri was charged two years ago after jumping from a roof in Mdina when caught by police trying to steal from the house. The case is still pending.