A drug addicted couple and a businessman were yesterday charged with their involvement in the theft of a number of decorative copper and bronze items from tombstones in two cemeteries.

The couple, Ronald Azzopardi, 24, from Żabbar and Joanne Ellul, 33, from Żejtun, pleaded not guilty to stealing the items from Addolorata Cemetery in Paola last month while Mr Azzopardi alone denied stealing items from Gudja cemetery a month before.

A third person, Emanuel Hayman, 57, from Fgura, denied handling stolen property after he was allegedly found with nine bags full of crucifixes and other bronze ornamental items.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli told Magistrate Edwina Grima that the items were ready to be taken and melted down for €1.16 a kilo and investigations were still ongoing because more families might come forward since they had probably not yet realised items were missing yet.

Defence lawyer Noel Camilleri, appearing for Mr Hayman, told the court that what might happen in the future was not of any concern and that they were dealing with the singular charge of handling stolen property.

The inspector rebutted that it had everything to do with the case because he might need to add extra charges during the proceedings.

Furthermore, someone who bought stolen property was as guilty as the person who sold it, he said.

Magistrate Grima remanded Mr Hayman in custody.

Regarding the case of the couple, defence lawyer Franco Debono and Keith Borg told the magistrate said that it was still early for them to be granted bail and they were also remanded in custody.

The magistrate made the decision after hearing Inspector Portelli voice concerns about their very serious drug problems.