Court denies bail for man facing multiple criminal proceedings

A Birkirkara man has been remanded in custody this morning, after a court noted that he is currently facing no less than five other criminal proceedings at the moment. 

38-year-old stone worker Stephen Borg pleaded not guilty to the charges of thefts from two garages this morning. Defence lawyer Mark Busuttil requested bail.

This request was opposed by the prosecution, who told the court that, aside from the thefts, he had contravened five sets of bail conditions. Inspector Saviour Baldacchino, prosecuting, described the accused as having "breached the breach of a breach's breach."

Additionally, the accused's former partner was also facing charges, the policeman said. Bail would create a risk of tampering with evidence, he added, pointing out that when the accused had last been released on police bail, the woman had changed her version upon her return.

Busuttil asked whether the presumption of innocence was going to be applied. "If he is not granted bail, he will lose his job."

The court asked whether the accused has a drug problem. "Not at the moment," said the accused, helpfully.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera turned down the bail request, however, the court citing concerns that he would tamper with evidence.