An 18-year-old man who allegedly raided a Gżira apartment after delivering and laying a carpet earlier in the day pleaded not guilty to theft.

Braden Grixti, of Valletta, was accused of stealing a number of electronic items – including two TV sets, a PlayStation console and about 35 games – worth more than €2,300 last Thursday.

He was also accused of being an accomplice in the theft and handling stolen items and of inciting and threatening a police officer, breaching the peace and relapsing.

Police Inspector Jason Sultana said Mr Grixti was arrested after 19-year-old Kevin Chircop, of Floriana, admitted to the theft and named him as his accomplice.

Mr Chircop, who admitted to the theft charges on Monday, told the police that the two teenagers broke into the apartment hours after they went there to install a carpet.

The woman who opened when they called at the apartment asked them to make sure the door was kept shut to stop stray cats walking in while the owner was away. Instead, they allegedly left the bolt unlatched, allowing them to enter at night.

The prosecuting officer said the police found the PlayStation console at Mr Grixti’s house.

He objected to a request for bail, saying the accused was not trustworthy. “He has a long criminal record and a number of stolen items are still missing,” Inspector Sultana told the court.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit refused bail.

Lawyer David Camilleri appeared for Mr Grixti.