Theft suspect claims he trespassed into home to escape people trying attack him

A suspect who was arrested on suspicion of theft has claimed he trespassed into a house in order to flee from a group of people who were trying to attack him.

Criminal Court, on Wednesday, remanded a 42-year-old Maldivian man from Sh. Feydhoo in custody for 15 days on suspicion of attempted theft and trespassing.

During the remand hearing, the suspect claimed he entered into the home to hide from a group of people who were trying to attack him, and denied stealing anything from the property.

However, the Police reported that a pair of pliers was found in his possession, and a resident of the house alleged that the suspect had previously stolen from the same home.

The suspect refused to appoint legal counsel.  

The remand order further indicated that he has a prior criminal record related to theft offenses.