Drug overdose leads to arrest of jewellery snatching robbery suspect

A Valletta man has been remanded in custody after being charged by police following an investigation into a string of thefts from elderly persons.

Inspectors James Grech and Carlos Cordina arraigned 28-year-old Curtis Bakoush before magistrate Marse Anne Farrugia earlier today, accusing him of having committed a series of thefts, starting in October. Bakoush would allegedly resort to attacking elderly persons in order to steal their necklaces and bracelets.  He was also charged with committing the crimes during the operative period of two suspended sentences and slightly injuring one of the women. The crimes were rendered aggravated by the age of the victims.

Inspector Cordina told the court that the Police had been unable to trace the accused at the addresses he was known to frequent. The investigation had a lucky break some days ago when Bakoush was found lying on a porch in Hamrun, unconscious from a drug overdose. After being treated in hospital the man was taken to Court.

The accused, a Maltese national of Arab origin,  pleaded not guilty to the charges but his lawyers, Franco Debono and Yanika Vidal did not request bail, instead asking the Court to ensure that all witnesses are heard without delay.

The court upheld this request.

Bakoush was remanded in custody at Corradino Correctional Facility.