A father of two who was allegedly caught stealing about 60 litres of diesel and tried to escape from police custody was yesterday granted bail precisely because he is looking after his children.

Joseph Grech, 48, of Qormi, took the fuel and was making his way back to his car when Police Sergeant James Wederin and Constables Stephen Farrugia and Alfred Chetcuti, doing the rounds, caught him, Police Inspector Anthony Cachia said.

The fuel, which was stored in jerrycans, was taken from the back of a truck in jerrycans belonging to Solid Base Ltd in Valleyh Road in the early hours of yesterday.

Mr Grech pleaded not guilty to stealing the fuel and relapsing.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted him bail after legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech explained that the accused was looking after his two sons aged nine and 11.

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