Two Libyan men were arraigned in court this morning charged with stealing a handbag containing two wallets from a Paceville establishment.

Tarik Ahmed Migiref Etis, 39, and Abdulwahab Mohamed Yahya, 29, pleaded not guilty to stealing the handbag belonging to a young woman who was at Hugo's. Its contents amounted to €605. The two are unemployed and both live at the Hal Far Open Centre.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke heard how the two wallets were found in their possession while the stolen items were retrieved following a police search.

Prosecuting officer Elton Taliana told the court that Mr Etis knew "nothing but how to steal" and that he was constantly coming in and out of jail due to repeatedly committing the offence and stealing from cars and establishments.

He was also charged with breaking bail conditions.

Lawyer Joe Ellis requested bail but Insp. Taliana objected, describing Mr Etis as completely unreliable and that the court was therefore unable to trust him.

Mr Yahya, on the other hand, had a clean criminal record.

Mr Etis was remanded in custody and while Mr Yahya was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000.

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