Updated 3.30pm
A man suspected of involvement in a series of thefts over the past weeks was tracked down by the police after a car reported stolen from Iklin on Saturday turned up in Marsa.
Court heard on Monday, how, on Saturday afternoon, a Renault Megane model was allegedly stolen from Iklin.
Police investigations kicked off immediately, and the vehicle was soon found at Triq it-Tiġrija, Marsa. Shortly after, a man matching the description of the suspect, was arrested.
A number of items allegedly taken from the stolen vehicle were found in his possession along with a screwdriver and other items associated with drug abuse.
Stefan Cutajar, a 38-year-old unemployed St Paul’s Bay resident, was on Monday arraigned in court.
Prosecuting Inspector Ritienne Gauci told the court that Cutajar had a very serious drug problem.,
He pleaded not guilty to aggravated theft of the vehicle at Iklin as well as a gold bracelet. He was also charged with stealing a Smart Fortwo model from Balzan in June, stealing tools from a VW vehicle, knowingly handling stolen property as well as breaching bail conditions and relapsing.
The prosecution objected to the accused’s request for bail, pointing out the situation would be different if he tried to enter rehab to get help to overcome his drug problem.
But so far, there seemed to be no arrangements to that effect, and, moreover, civilian witnesses were still to testify.
Legal aid lawyer Sue Mercieca rebutted that the accused was trying to put his life back on the right track after stepping out of jail a few months ago.
He was living with his mother and was to enter rehabilitation, the lawyer argued, prompting the prosecutor to point out that so far there appeared to be no arrangements to that effect.
After hearing submissions, Magistrate Charmaine Galea turned down the request in view of the serious nature of the offences and the fact that these were all allegedly committed few months after the accused had been released from jail.
The court, however, recommended that prison authorities were to provide the accused with all available services to help him address his drug problem.