An Indian man who had admitted to stealing an engagement ring belonging to former minister Wistin Abela, today apologised to wheelchair-bound Mr Abela outside a court room as he held him by the hand.

Pillai Sivasankara, who is resident in Msida, had been remanded in custody after he was accused of stealing the ring, worth €2,329.

He had pulled the ring off Mr Abela, 79, at Our Lady of Sorrows Street in Zejtun. He also tried to steal his watch. Initially he pleaded not guilty.

When the case continued this morning, Owen Bonnici, who is representing Mr Abela, said his client was ready to forgive but he wanted his engagement ring back.

The prosecution said that a search for the ring had been carried out but it could not be found.

Dr Bonnici then suggested that should the ring not be found, his client should be paid compensation for it to be re-made.

The magistrate said he would allow a month for the ring to be found and judgement would be handed down after this period.