Two Libyan men who denied stealing a bag belonging to a Polish tourist while she was relaxing at St George’s Bay were yesterday remanded in custody.

Younis Emad, who lives at the Ħal Far open centre, and Mahmoud Elmejdi, from Buġibba, both 24, pleaded not guilty to theft.

Mr Emad was further charged with breaching a suspended sentence and relapsing.

Paulina Cywinksa testified that she went to Paceville with her brother and some friends on Sunday evening. They went to the beach and, at about 1.10am, she realised that the bag that was by her side was gone. She said she had two wallets in her bag, one of which contained three €50 notes. The other had a €20 note and several coins. The bag itself cost €25.

Ms Cywinksa said she did not see anybody taking her bag, adding she was seeing the two men for the first time in court.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana strongly opposed to a request by the defence for bail, saying the two men went to the bay with the specific intention of stealing tourists’ bags. He noted that one of them had already been convicted of theft and had been given another chance. Magistrate Marseann Farrugia denied the request.