Youth accused of theft and assault remanded in custody

Manoel Abela, 22, of Zejtun, was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges of theft and of threatening and assaulting family members.

The youth's sister, Diane Abela, alleged that last year her brother stole cash from her shop Ganza Shopping Centre in Zejtun. Last week, the youth stole various items from a garage in Triq l-Armier, Zejtun.

At the same time, Abela threatened and assaulted his sister and his father Angelo. During the assault, the sister suffered slight injuries.

Prosecuting officers Carol Fabri and Johann Fenech, told the court that the youth resisted arrest, disobeyed police orders and was in possession of an identity card containing wrong particulars.

Dr Anthony Cutajar informed the court that the accused was pleading not guilty to the charges and requested bail.

However, Magistrate Giovanni Grixti said that the accused is unreliable and remanded him in custody.