One of two men caught red-handed stealing from a house in Mellieħa on Tuesday had been granted bail four times, a court was told yesterday.

Josef Buttigieg, 34, from Birkirkara, also known as il-Qasba, admitted to theft and breaching bail conditions in four cases, the first dating back to November 2012 and the latest to May 2013.

He was sentenced to two years in prison. The court also forfeited €4,000 he had deposited when granted bail.

Mr Buttigieg was caught together with Francis Formosa, 43, from Burmarrad, Putatti, who is pleading not guilty.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli refused to grant bail and remanded him in custody.

Police Inspectors Maurice Curmi and Arthur Mercieca prosecuted.

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