A Cospicua man was this evening remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to theft and defrauding an elderly woman of almost €22,000.

Jon Lawrence Formosa, 36, a repeat offender, produced a fake proxy to defraud the woman in July and the preceding months, the court heard.

He was also charged with stealing a television, rubber stamps, detergents and stamps from an office in Paola in June. He gained entry through an open window.

He was furthermore charged with breaching bail conditions over a separate case when he was ordered to be home at 8pm.

Defence lawyer Joe Ellis requested bail, saying his client was doing his best to kick his drug habit and was registering progress in this regard.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, however, turned down this request saying the accused could not be trusted.

Police Inspectors Hubert Cini and Spiridione Zammit prosecuted.

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