Libyan thieves sought out drunk victims before mugging them

Two Libyan men were this afternoon remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to robbing and assaulting two Scottish men in Paceville.

The incident occurred yesterday morning in St George’s Street, Paceville, when the accused, Ben Hamouda Ramadan, 27, and El Jadei Fathi, 22, both of Tripoli, spotted the two Scottish men walking at around 6:45am.

The court heard that after spotting the Scottish men, the accused allegedly banged their heads together before making off with an HTC mobile phone. District police officials subsequently arrested the two Libyan men after being identified by their victims.

Prosecuting inspector Elton Taliana told the court that prior to the alleged assault and theft, the two Libyan men had been patiently waiting for “drunk victims.”

Standing before the court this afternoon, the Libyan men pleaded not guilty to stealing a mobile phone, to assaulting Rory Steward and Graham Adams, and to handling stolen property.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit denied bail and remanded the men in custody.

Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted while Lawyer Marion Camilleri defended the accused.