The father of the man stabbed to death at his Ħamrun home last Sunday was today granted bail after facing charges over a €4,000 theft from an apartment in Xemxija.

Brendon Pace, 21, was killed on Sunday night. He suffered five stab wounds that penetrated his vital organs, including his heart.

His father Silvio, 48, had pleaded not guilty to the theft which took place early in the morning of March 25 from an apartment which serves as the residence of the Carmelite friars who are responsible for the church in Xemxija.

The court, presided by Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona, today heard one of the monks recall how at around 7.30am on March 25, he was returning to the apartment after mass when he saw a blue vehicle parked alongside the road. Shown a photo in open court, the witness confirmed that it was the same vehicle.

Approaching his residence, the monk explained how he had spotted a man stepping over the railing of a veranda which led into another monk's room overlooking the street.

Upon catching sight of the witness, the intruder pulled up his hood and made off, the court heard. When asked whether he recognised the suspect in court, the witness nodded in the direction of the accused seated in the dock.

The defence made a request for bail, pointing out that since the arraignment much had changed in his client's life. The prosecution pointed out that all civilian witnesses had been called to testify.

The court granted Mr Pace bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. The defence pointed out that since his client's flat in Ħamrun was currently sealed off as a scene of crime, Mr Pace was to reside temporarily at his daughter's home in Siġġiewi.

The court authorised this arrangement and imposed a curfew between 7pm and 8am, warning the accused of the serious repercussions he would have to face should he breach any of the bail conditions.

Inspector Nicholas Vella prosecuted.Lawyer Emanuel Bianco was defence counsel.