Police foil robbery after tip-off, alleged burglar remanded in custody

Marvin Zammit, 28, of Msida, was today remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to burgling a house in Birkirkara, and to the attempted burglary of another residence in Santa Venera.

The court heard that on 6 September, police received a tip-off that a group of people were acting suspiciously outside a house in Santa Venera. RIU officials were subsequently dispatched and the accused, as well as another man were spotted.

A search of the second man's car yielded two screw drivers, duct tape, as well as a hood and other tools used to commit burglaries. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

In submissions for bail, the prosecution insisted that Zammit should not be granted bail because the witnesses have yet to testify, and there is fear of the accused tampering with evidence. Moreover, the prosecution insisted that the allegations are of serious nature.

In its decree, the court, presided by Magistrate Ian Farrugia, upheld the prosecution’s objections and remanded the man in custody.

Inspectors Arthur Mercieca and Sarah Magri prosecuted while Lawyers Kris Busietta and Jason Azzopardi represented the accused.