A 30-year old barman has been remanded in custody after denying his role in the theft of an iPad, a computer and two suitcases belonging to a foreign resident.

French national Salah M’Raoui was arraigned today over charges of being part of an aggravated theft which took place on July 20. The man was further charged with permitting a Hyundai car to be driven without a valid insurance cover.

Defence lawyer Francine Abela, assisting the accused, filed a request for bail which, however, was strongly objected to by the prosecution on various grounds.

Inspector Silvio Magro pointed out that the accused was not sufficiently trustworthy to merit release from custody. Over the past week, while investigations were underway, the man had changed address three times and his residence was currently unknown, the court was told.

Moreover, whereas the inspector had reportedly handled the case in a gentlemanly manner, the accused had even challenged the officer to a fight while at the police station, alleging that the inspector was ‘racist’ in his regard.

Later, the man had allegedly kicked up some commotion when escorted to the police lockup.

The defence, while denying the allegations, pointed out that strict bail conditions could guard against the possibility of escape from Malta. “How could we find him in France?” was the prosecution’s prompt remark.

The court, presided over by duty Magistrate Joseph Mifsud, upheld the objections put forward by the prosecution and denied bail.