A local man has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to several offences at the Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Gino Farrugia, 52, of Sir William Jackson Grove, was arrested on suspicion of Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress at 9pm last Friday – following a report from a member of the public.

He was released later that same evening with bail conditions, whilst police continued to investigate the matter.

Just after 1pm the following day, Farrugia was arrested again by Response Team officers in Varyl Begg Estate.

The second arrest was in relation to further alleged offences that had been reported to the police that morning, involving the same victim.

At the time of his second arrest, officers also found him in possession of a nine-inch knife.

On Sunday morning, Response Team officers charged Farrugia with two counts of Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress, Intimidation of a Witness, Improper Use of Public Electronic Communications Network, Possession of Article with Blade in a Public Place, two counts of Threats to Kill and an outstanding Warrant of Arrest issued by the Magistrates’ Court. 

Bail was refused and he was held at New Mole House until his court appearance this morning (Monday).

At the Magistrates’ Court he was remanded at HM Prison Windmill Hill until his next appearance on Tuesday 19 April.