A 22-year-old man admitted in court today to having burgled a house in Birkirkara on Friday and planning to commit another burglary in Sta Venera on Saturday.

The Qormi man however pleaded not guilty to conspiring with others to commit several other burglaries.

Police Inspectors Arthur Mercieca and Sarah Magri told Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras that on Saturday night the police were informed that a group of people were lurking outside a house in Santa Venera acting suspiciously. The police went there and spoke to the people who said they were going for a walk.

A search was carried out in the suspect's car where officers found two screwdrivers and other items that could have been used to commit burglaries such as hats and scarves. 

Lawyer Anthony Stellini made a request for bail saying that he believed prison would be psychologically detrimental to his client. The prosecution objected and the court reminded him in police custody given the nature of the crime and the fear of tampering with evidence.

November 24, 2023: Article amended following a data privacy request. For more information contact editor@timesofmalta.com