Adds video, presentation of gifts

The British policeman who caught a thief who had just stolen jewellery from Sterling Jewellers in Sliema on Tuesday realised something was happening when he heard a woman screaming but initially thought it was a bag snatching incident.

Testifying in court this morning, Rick Harper, of North Yorkshire, said that he was walking up Tower Road towards Sterling Jewellers with family and friends. When they were about 200-metres away from the shop they heard a woman screaming.

Mr Harper and his friend Darrin Gordon, testified in the case against Russian born Vladimir, also known as Vova, Maksimov, who is pleading not guilty to stealing more than €2,300 worth of jewellery from a shop in Mdina and another €2,300 from Sterling Jewellers.

He is also charged with refusing to give his particulars at the police headquarters.

Mr Harper said that he and Mr Gordon saw a man running away from the shop towards them and together with Mr Gordon, gave chase and grabbed the man.

He momentarily cut loose but he was grabbed by Mr Gordon.

Together, they marched the man backed to Sterling Jewellers and on the way back picked up jewellery that was strewn on the floor.

Describing the man, Mr Harper said the accused was of slim built, about six foot two inches and with an unkempt beard. He was wearing black sunglasses, black trousers, black flip flops and a light checked shirt. He was also carrying a black bag that was also full of jewellery.

Mr Harper said that at Sterling Jewellers waited until the police turned up and handed the man over to them.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera thanked Mr Harper for his brave deed and remanded Mr Maksimov in custody.

The two policemen left Malta this afternoon. They were given gifts by the Malta Tourism Authority and Sterling Jewellers before their departure. They were each given a book about Malta and a Maltese cross.