A woman was denied bail on Sunday after being accused of complicity in the theft of a van.

A 40-year-old man from Paola reported his van missing from Tarxien two nights ago. Police made two arrests in connection with the case on Saturday after an off-duty policeman noticed a man and a woman unloading tools from the van and “acting suspiciously”. The van was found at Triq Sant Emidju in Zejtun.

The woman, Antonella Vella, was taken to court on Sunday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. She also denied breaking bail conditions for a previous case.

The defence requested bail, saying that Ms Vella, unemployed, cares for her 70-year-old mum. 

The court denied the request, saying insufficient guarantees were in place according to law. 

Young man accused of stealing necklaces from elderly women

In a separate case, a young man was denied bail after being accused in court of stealing necklaces from four women.

Wayne Camilleri, 25, was accused of violently pulling off and stealing the jewellery from four women aged between 66 and 86.  

The Tarxien resident had also breached bail, the court was told.

The defence asked for bail, noting that a pre-sentencing report was still being drawn up.

The court denied the request, with Magistrate Anthony Vella noting that he did not give the necessary guarantees to be granted bail.

The case was deferred to June 25.