A Maltese woman and an Italian man, both unemployed, were this morning remanded in custody after they pleaded not guilty to a series of at least 20 thefts of bags and their contents from churches between November and yesterday.

Alexia Margo Calleja, 34, of Qawra and Baldassare Perlotti, 42, who also lives in Qawra, were also charged with keeping stolen goods.

The woman on her own was also charged with driving without a licence and insurance.

The case is postponed.

The couple were yesterday followed by an off-duty policeman PC52 Emanuel Agius in San Gwann. The policeman arrested the couple after he blocked them with his car.

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