A mechanic was this afternoon remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a string of thefts and attempted thefts from cars as well as a burglary.

Australia-born Joseph Portelli, 51, from Birzebbuga, pleaded not guilty to the theft of cash from two cars, the theft of jewellery from a flat, attempted theft from six cars, relapsing and to committing a crime during the operative term of a suspended sentence handed down in February over similar offences. 

Defence counsel Abigail Bugeja told Magistrate Marseann Farrugia that Mr Portelli had a problem managing his finances and was also finding it difficult to make ends meet. 

But prosecuting officer Roderick Agius, said that just a few months ago, Mr Portelli was in court over similar charges and was given another chance through a suspended sentence.

Magistrate Farrugia said Mr Portelli was not a trustworthy person and in view of the danger that he commits other crimes, she denied his request for bail and remanded him in custody.