Man remanded in custody over car battery theft and threats to police
Repeat offender damaged the police car's door as he became agitated during arrest
A man was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to stealing a car battery and threatening and insulting police officers during his arrest.
Emanuel Caruana, 47, from Qormi, was charged with stealing the battery on April 9 from Żebbuġ. He was further charged with damaging the car and breaching the public peace.
Caruana was also charged with threatening and insulting police officers after he became agitated during his arrest, and damaging the police car’s door.
Caruana was also accused of breaching a set of bail conditions and recidivism.
The man denied the charges.
Legal aid lawyer Axl Camilleri requested bail to which the prosecution objected.
After hearing the submissions and taking into account the circumstances of the case, the court denied the man bail.
A protection order was issued in favour of the alleged victims.
The prosecution requested a protection order in favour of the man’s mother, who reportedly said in court that she feared Caruana.
However, the defence objected saying that the woman did not feature in the charges brought against the man. The request was rejected.
Magistrate Ingrid Bianco presided.
AG lawyers Clive Aquilina and Martina D’Amato prosecuted, assisted by police inspector John Sammut.
Legal aid lawyer Axl Camilleri appeared for the accused.