No bail for New Years Eve thief

A man accused of stealing wallets and using the bank cards they contained has been remanded in custody.

Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna arraigned mechanic Daniel Maftei, 48, from Romania, who has no fixed address, before magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace this morning, accusing the man of theft.

Maftei was charged with stealing two women's wallets and using their bank and credit cards and cash. He was further charged with using one woman's PIN and withdrawing €1,450 from an ATM. The man was also accused of attempted theft.

The crimes took place on New Year's Eve in Valletta. Maftei was arrested yesterday at the airport upon his return to Malta from abroad.

Lawyer Lennox Vella asked to be allowed to approach the bench, where the lawyer and inspector conversed with the magistrate at length.

The accused entered a not guilty plea. Bail was not requested.