Man remanded in custody after stealing mobile

A 35-year-old man pleaded not guilty after being charged with the theft of a mobile phone from the Marsa Park and Ride.

Awet Estifanos Weldetinsae, Eritrea, who is unemployed and has no fixed address, was arraigned in court following his arrest by police on Tuesday. No request for bail was made.

Police told the court that a report was filed on 16 March after a victim reported that his mobile phone, valued at around €350, had been stolen between 10:00 am and noon from the Marsa Park and Ride. The victim also provided investigators with a 20-second video allegedly showing the suspect committing the theft.

Officers analysed the footage, extracted still images, and circulated them internally. On the following day, while on patrol in Marsa, police spotted a man matching the description and wearing the same clothes seen in the footage. He was stopped, identified, and arrested on the spot.

During interrogation, the accused chose not to give a statement.

The accused is also charged with recidivism for an offence committed during the operative period of a suspended sentence imposed in March 2024.

The prosecution is being led by Inspector Ian Vella, while lawyer Marcea Fenech is appearing for the Attorney General. Legal aid lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar represented the accused. Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided over the sitting.