A coach driver was charged with breaking into an apartment he shared with his girlfriend after he found the door locked.

Thomas Spagnol, 39, of Żejtun, pleaded not guilty to stealing a number of items from an apartment in Paola and causing damage on Saturday at about 3am.

Lawyer Franco Debono told the court that his client broke into the apartment where he lived with his now former girlfriend, after she went out and could not be reached on her mobile phone. He wanted to get in to sleep because he was working the following day. On her return to the apartment, an argument broke out and Mr Spagnol ended with a scratched face, Dr Debono said.

Police Inspector Jurgen Vella said both Mr Spagnol and the woman went to the police station separately to file a report on the incident.

The two broke up after the incident.

In his arguments for bail, Dr Debono said his client had fully cooperated with the police, adding it was not fair Mr Spagnol would have to wait for witnesses to be heard. In certain cases, he added, witnesses should testify on arraignment.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella refused bail and told the police to produce their witnesses in the next hearing.