A 46-year-old man was today charged with stealing a number of artefacts, of cultural heritage value, from various churches since February 2012.

Eric Sapiano, 46, from Sliema pleaded not guilty to stealing an 1861 painting by Antonio Falzon from Ta’ Ġieżu Church in Valletta in February 2012, an antique vase from Stella Maris parish church in Sliema in August 2014, a silver chalice from the Safi Church last August and a silver vase from St Paul’s Church in Valletta last February.

He was also charged with stealing an antique vase from St Publius parish church in Floriana on April 18 this year, and the possession of a stolen silver plate bearing the St Dominic emblem.

Mr Sapiano was also charged with the illegal possession of items of cultural heritage and relapsing.The value of the stolen items is estimated to run into thousands of euro.

He was arrested on Tuesday morning after a number of works of art were seized by the police during a search on this property.

Lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace appeared for the accused who was remanded in custody.
Police Inspector Saviour Baldacchino prosecuted.

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