A 40-year-old man from Żejtun was on Saturday remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a series of charges including hold-ups, thefts from elderly people, causing grievous injuries and holding people against their will.

The hold-ups were carried out over the past two months. They were carried out on shops in Żabbar, Għaxaq, Birkirkara and Sliema. The thefts, of handbags from elderly persons, took place in Sliema and Żurrieq. Other thefts were from vehicles in various localities around Malta.

Charles Farrugia was also charged with being a relapser and repeatedly breaching bail.

When prosecuting inspector Fabian Fleri declared that there were some 18 eyewitnesses and victims, lawyer Franco Debono said bail would not be requested at this stage.

Inspector Fleri explained that victims had identified a particular Mitsubishi usually driven by the accused and the mobile localisations of the accused coincided with the places thefts took place. He also said the police found some of the stolen items in the accused’s possession.

Lawyer Damien Cassar also appeared for the accused. Inspectors Lydon Zammit and Christina Delia also prosecuted. The case was heard by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja.

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