Man attempting to steal car battery caught red handed

A 47-year-old man from Qormi was charged in court on Friday morning after allegedly attempting to steal a car battery and resisting arrest on 9 April.

Emanuel Caruana, allegedly tried to steal a battery from a vehicle in Zebbug but was caught red handed by the victim. Caruana tried to defend himself by saying that the car belonged to his friend. A citizen’s arrest was reportedly carried out before police arrived on site.

According to the prosecution, when police arrested Caruana, he resisted arrest and damaged the door of a police vehicle.

Caruana was charged with aggravated theft, wilfully damaging the property of the same victims, and breaching the public peace. He was also accused of disrupting a police officer from carrying out his duties, as well as causing damage to property belonging to the Malta Police Force.

He plead not guilty.

The accused was further charged with breaching bail conditions that had been imposed on him in September 2024.

During the bail request, the defence argued that the accused was not mentally fit.

However, prosecutor Clive Aquilina said that a certificate fully confirmed that Caruana was fit to face proceedings.

He argued that the court had to strike a balance between the interests of society and those of the accused, adding that the accused’s actions were not compatible with the needs of society.

The prosecution also expressed concern that, if released, Caruana could disturb public order, fail to appear in court, or commit another offence, particularly since he had already been out on bail.

Aquilina said it is necessary that the accused receives any required treatment, adding that the role of the prosecution was to safeguard society rather than simply place people in prison. He argued that until the accused receives the necessary treatment, he needs to be remanded due to the risk he poses to society.

Bail was denied by the court.

The prosecution was led by Inspector John Sammut and Attorney General lawyers Martina D’Amato and Clive Aquilina.

Magistrate Ingrid Bianco presided over the arraignment.