A man who allegedly stole a laptop computer from a car parked in Marsaxlokk was acquitted this morning for lack of evidence.

Pierre Cassar, 36 of Marsaxlokk, was accused of stealing the laptop from an Alfa Spider car in June.

The court was told that CCTV footage showed part of the car and a man walking towards it. He was then seen throwing something away in a skip and moving off.

Two policemen testified that they recognised the accused from his gait and stature.

Magistrate Edwina Grima noted that some days previously, reports had been made to the police about the accused having been seen observing vehicles in the area. The police witnesses may have been influenced by the reports.

The person shown in the footage was wearing a hat and his face did not show.

The policemen said they noted their gait, but this was not sufficient for a conviction, the court said.