A Polish lawyer has ended up behind bars in Malta after being accused of simple theft, attempted theft from a private residence as well as charges of having allegedly harassed, blackmailed and threatened former colleagues at a law firm, causing them to fear violence. 

He was further charged with the misuse of electronic equipment.

Bartosz Marcin Andruszaniec, 42, pleaded not guilty, explaining that he had been employed as a lawyer with a local firm but was currently uncertain as to the continued validity of his employment contract.

Prosecuting Inspector Clayton Camilleri said that Mr Andruszaniec's troubles started on February 7 when he sent a series of emails and WhatsApp messages to directors and colleagues at a law firm in what amounted to harassment, blackmail, fear of violence and misuse of electronic equipment.

Matters took a turn for the worse last Monday afternoon when Mr Andruszaniec first stole an item, worth less than €15, from a St Paul’s Bay shop and then, merely ten minutes later, broke into a private residence close by.

His apparent burglary attempt was thwarted when he came face to face with the homeowner. In the ensuing scuffle, he was held and subsequently arrested by the police.  

The man’s defence lawyer, Graziella Tanti, requested bail, arguing that the police knew where to find him since he was residing at Xemxija and would continue to live in Malta if released from preventive arrest.

However, the prosecution objected to the request, pointing out that the place where Mr Andruszaniec had taken up residence was an abandoned house, without water and electricity.

“The place is not livable,” the inspector explained, adding that Andruszaniec was a foreigner who would not be easily traced.

The defence lawyer rebutted that the man was trying to find a job and was in constant contact with the police.

However Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, upheld the prosecution’s objections and denied the request for bail, thus remanding the accused in custody.

Lawyer Stefano Filletti appeared parte civile.