Two repeat offenders were yesterday charged with snatching four handbags from women as they were walking in the street.

Sandro Mifsud, 41, from Sliema and Stephen Stellini, 33, from Qormi, were charged with stealing handbags on five occasions from Gżira, where they struck twice, Blata l-Bajda, Msida and Qormi.

The thefts took place in the span of a week between October 14 and Tuesday.

The men, also charged with stealing a mobile phone and relapsing, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera. They were further accused of breaching previous court orders and Mr Mifsud of breaching bail conditions. Their request for bail was turned down and they were remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Arthur Mercieca prosecuted while lawyer Christopher Chircop appeared for the men.

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