Libyan accused of smashing car window with a brick during attempted theft

A Libyan man accused of using a brick to smash a car window in an attempt to steal from the vehicle has been remanded in custody this morning.

Abdulhamid Saied, 35, from Tripoli, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted theft, criminal damage to the vehicle, threatening police officers, possession of a knife, public drunkenness, disobeying police orders, breaching the peace and relapsing during his arraignment before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech.

Inspector Darryl Borg told the court how Saied, who was recently released from prison and is unemployed, had been caught red-handed on Tuesday whilst trying to break into a parked car in Strait Street, Valletta. He had smashed one of the vehicle's side windows in order to gain entry. The court heard how he caused around €1,200 in damage to the car.

The court ordered Saied be remanded in custody.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace was legal aid to the accused.