A doctor at the Gozo hospital accused of stealing a painkilling drug normally administered to women in labour was granted bail this morning.

The prosecution said that the doctor had been found in possession of several boxes of pethidine - a synthetic compound used as a painkilling drug, especially for women in labour - bearing the mark of the Health Department.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri told the court that the defendant had failed to give a convincing explanation of how he had come into possession of the boxes.

The doctor, who is foreign but has practised medicine in Malta for over nine years, was charged with stealing medicinal items and with possessing a scheduled drug without the necessary authorisation or permission, without evidence that it was for his personal use.

The defendant denied all charges. He was granted bail by Magistrate Joanne Vella Cuschieri against a deposit of €1,000 and a €5,000 personal guarantee. Lawyer Lucio Sciriha was defence counsel.