A foreigner was remanded in custody after denying that he committed three handbag thefts within a week of each other earlier this month.

Wael Mahmoud Dawah, 44, who was born in Syria and lives in Malta, was accused of stealing handbags containing money, mobile phones and other personal items from Michelina Refalo, Giuseppa Borg and Maria Carmela Muscat in Melita and Republic Street, Valletta, on March 2, 5 and 9.

He was denied bail by Magistrate Edwina Grima, who explained that the foreigner was homeless and did not have a fixed address.

Inspector Joseph Mercieca, who prosecuted, pointed out that Mr Dawah had a drug addiction.

Lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace was defence counsel.

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