A man who allegedly formed part of a gang of thieves that tried to burgle an elderly Sliema resident's house was remanded in custody on Sunday after pleading not guilty to attempted theft.

Christopher Scerri, a 40-year old Qormi resident who is known to the police, was arrested and marched to court after investigators zoomed in on him as a suspect, thanks to CCTV footage from the crime scene.

It all began on October 24, close to 5.00pm, when the 85-year old lady returned to find her home in a state of disorder, although nothing seemed to be missing. The woman filed a police report, sparking off an investigation.

After analysing CCTV footage and stills from the scene as well as after talking to neighbours, the police identified Mr Scerri as one of the four suspected intruders.

He was arraigned and charged with the attempted robbery, with being a recidivist as well as with having allegedly breached the conditions of two bail decrees.

Read: Armed robbery accused claim their rights have been breached

The latter charge might land him with a hefty forfeiture of some €92,000 by way of a bail deposit of €24,000 and personal guarantees totaling €68,000.

The man pleaded not guilty.

A request for bail was turned down by the court, presided over by magistrate Marse Ann Farrugia, in view of the man’s unruly character, his recidivist past as well as on account of the fact that civilian witnesses were still to testify.

Inspectors Shawn Pawney and Mario Xiberras prosecuted.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.

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