A resident at the San Blas drug rehabilitation centre charged with aggravated theft has been granted bail under strict orders to return to his supervised residence pending the drawing up of a pre-sentencing report.

Michael Ellul, 32, a baker, admitted in open court to stealing a wall sander, a Black and Decker welding set and other items from a Birkirkara tool store. He also pleaded guilty to damaging third party property when he broke into the store in the early hours of March 18. The offence was perpetrated under the operative period of a previous suspended sentence.

Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi, who was defence counsel, made it clear that although he was requesting bail, this did not mean that his client was to go home. He wanted the court to order the man to return to San Blas to continue on his road to recovery.

The prosecution agreed to this proposal, pointing out Mr Ellul had voluntarily started his rehabilitation programme three weeks ago and had also cooperated fully with the police.

The defence also informed the court that the accused's mother, who was waiting outside the courtroom, was willing to fork out the funds to make good for the stolen items. Although she was a pensioner she wished to help her son one last time.

The court, presided by magistrate Audrey Demicoli, granted the accused bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000. There was no obligation to sign the bail book since Mr Ellul was to go back to supervised residence at San Blas.

The court also requested the preparation of a pre-sentencing report to obtain a clear picture of the accused's past criminal history before delivering judgment.

Inspector Roderick Spiteri prosecuted. Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi was defence counsel.