Two teenagers remanded over string of thefts from hotels
Defence argued the minors had 'gone down the wrong path' and imprisonment could make their situation worse
Two teenagers were remanded in custody after being accused of a series of thefts from hotels.
The two youths, aged 15 and 17 from St Paul’s Bay, were also charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine for the purpose of drug trafficking, while the younger one faced additional charges relating to counterfeit money.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court heard that the alleged thefts involved bags, mobile phones and tablets, which they allegedly kept in their possession.
The defence requested bail but the prosecution strongly objected, arguing that, despite their young age, they were facing very serious charges and that investigations are still ongoing.
The court was told that the two minors allegedly admitted that one of them had been holding the drugs on behalf of the other. Inspector Ivan Mifsud said that neither minor is employed nor attends school. He added that there is a “genuine concern” they could continue committing offences and become further involved in criminal activity.
The court also heard that the 17-year-old has another pending case relating to simple theft, in which he was charged by summons rather than under arrest.
Inspector Mifsud said he had known both youths before this case through his work in Community Policing. Speaking about the 15-year-old, he said the boy had shown signs of criminal behaviour from a very young age and had not been attending school for some time.
He added that, at around the age of 14, the boy frequented areas known for cannabis trafficking and had even challenged police officers by telling them they could not arraign him because he was still a minor.
Inspector Mifsud also gave evidence about the minor's difficult home circumstances. He said the boy's mother worked long hours, that he did not have a mattress to sleep on and kept his clothes in a box. He added that the mother had previously reported him missing for around two weeks, during which time he had allegedly been staying with the other accused.
Lawyer Rachel Tua argued that the two minors had gone down the wrong path but said they could not be held entirely responsible for the circumstances in which they had been raised. She told the court they had grown up in a family environment that did not provide the support they needed and argued that society had failed them. She pointed out that imprisonment would not solve the problem and could even worsen the situation.
She told the court that they should be given the necessary support, including alternative accommodation if required, together with strict conditions, so they would have an opportunity to get their lives back on track.
The Court rejected the request for bail.
The prosecution was led by Inspectors Diane Agius and Ivan Mifsud, together with Lawyer Martina Calleja from the Office of the Attorney General. Lawyer Rachel Tua appeared for both minors.
Magistrate Lara Lanfranco presided over the case.