A convicted thief was back in court this afternoon after being found in possession of a crowbar in suspicious circumstances.

Jonathan Felice, 22, of Qormi, previously convicted of theft, pleaded not guilty to breaching two counts of bail after being arrested by the police yesterday evening in Qormi.

Nigel Mallia – a Rapid Intervention Unit officer, said his unit was requested to check out two men who were acting suspiciously and were known to the police.

As soon as the police arrived, they saw Mr Felice and another man wearing baseball caps and long sleeved tops rush off and throw away a blue haversack.

Mr Mallia followed Mr Felice in the police car while another officer chased the other man on foot. He caught up with Felice and arrested him.

The accused claimed he ran off because he was worried he was out during his curfew. The police found a crowbar, large screwdriver wrapped in newspaper and a white top in the haversack.

Mr Felice told the police he would go out walking or jogging at that time and was wearing a long sleeved top to try and lose weight.

Bail was denied.