Recaptured escapee Joseph Cini, known also as Il-Pele, was yesterday arraigned for the second time within 24 hours, pleading not guilty to breaking into and stealing items from the home of a family on holiday.

Mr Cini, 47, stood in the dock together with his girlfriend, Alexandra Dalmas, 43, who also denied taking part in the burglary on August 3 in Mellieħa.

The alleged theft took place when Mr Cini was out on bail. He was arrested shortly afterwards over a breach of bail conditions and was remanded in custody but escaped from Mater Dei Hospital on Friday.

Mr Cini escaped from a bathroom at the hospital after being taken for treatment complaining of severe chest pains.

He was arraigned on Sunday evening after he was caught, following a rooftop chase from a relative’s flat in Patri Giustin Sant Street, Sta Venera. During their arraignment yesterday, the couple denied stealing jewellery, electronic items, cash and other items from the Mellieħa house while the family were away on holiday.

They also denied damaging the property while Mr Cini also denied relapsing.

Mr Cini was remanded in custody and Ms Dalmas granted bail against a deposit of €3,000.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted. Lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for both the accused.

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