Mechanic remanded in custody after denying violent Marsa mugging
Victim says his hair was pulled and metal dustpan was used in the assault
A 34-year-old mechanic was remanded in custody after denying mugging another man.
Fraj Al Sadiq, a Libyan national living in Marsa, appeared before duty magistrate Kevan Azzopardi on Tuesday afternoon where he was accused of theft aggravated by violence, time and value.
He was also accused of handling stolen goods.
Al Sadiq, who is a repeat offender, was further charged with slightly injuring the alleged victim, reviling a police sergeant and breaching a treatment order.
He denied the charges.
Police inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa told the court that the Marsa police received a report about an argument on Triq ix-Xemxija. When the officers arrived on the scene, they found a man with visible injuries and saw the alleged assailants escaping on foot. Al Sadiq was arrested, while the other individual fled.
The alleged victim told the police that he was assaulted by two men and his two mobile phones and wallet were stolen. He also told the officers that he knew Al Sadiq from Marsa. During the assault, one of the individuals pulled the alleged victim from his hair and a metal dustpan was also allegedly used.
At this stage no request for bail was made and the man was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided.
AG lawyers Martina D’Amato and Martina Calleja prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa.
Legal aid lawyer Yanica Barbara appeared for the accused.