Man joined friend for drinks, robbed him of €300 then rammed his car

A man who admitted stealing €300 from a friend — before the pair became embroiled in a car chase — was granted bail while awaiting the court’s judgement.

Daniel Duca, 26, from Santa Luċija, appeared in court on Monday afternoon.

Police inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa told the court that on Friday, Duca’s friend, Kurt Mock, invited the accused to join him for drinks at a każin in Ħamrun.

Duca joined his friend, but when Mock took out his wallet to pay, the accused stole €300 out of his hand before running out of the club.

Mock gave chase and attempted to prevent Duca from driving away by blocking his way using his vehicle. Duca drove into the vehicle, pushing it and leaving the parking lot.

The alleged victim chased Duca until they arrived at a dead-end road, where the pair ended up confronting each other in their cars. The accused abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.

Police collected CCTV footage which captured the moment Duca grabbed the money out of Mock’s hand.

He was arrested on Sunday at his residence.

Duca pleaded guilty to stealing €300 from his friend, damaging Mock’s leased vehicle, breaching a probation order and careless, negligent and dangerous driving charges.

He was further accused of breaching the public peace and threatening Mock.

Lawyer Jason Azzopardi highlighted that his client had a severe drug issue and requires help. His request for a pre-sentencing report was upheld.

Azzopardi then requested bail on behalf of his client, to which the prosecution did not object, given that the man had admitted to the charges.

Bail was granted against a €300 deposit and a €4,000 personal guarantee. The man was ordered to sign the bail book three times a week, and a curfew was also imposed. A temporary supervision order was also imposed.

Magistrate Monica Vella presided.

AG lawyer Miryea Mifsud prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa.

Lawyer Jason Azzopardi appeared for the accused.