A Libyan man was remanded in custody this afternoon after pleading not guilty to running off with a bag with gifts valued at some €100 given to a woman who was celebrating her birthday with her friends.

Ali Muftah, 24, who was also caught with a piece of cannabis in his pocket while under arrest at the police lockup, was also accused of committing a crime while on bail over other case and with breaching a suspended sentence imposed in June last year.

Police Inspectors Matthew Spagnol and John Spiteri told Magistrate Doreen Clarke that the theft took place between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. He was also in possession of a pair of scissors while allegedly committing the crime.

Mr Muftah was also charged with stealing a a wallet containing €25 in cash.

Lawyer Leontine Calleja, appearing as legal aid for the accused, entered a not guilty plea. Since no request for bail was made, the court ordered he be remanded in custody.