Theft suspect claims he had no intention of stealing items

A suspect who was arrested from Male’ on Wednesday for stealing from a shop stated in court that he did not "take the items" in question with the intention of stealing.

As per the Criminal Court order, the suspect is a 26-year-old man from Addu City.

He has been remanded in police custody for 15 days.

The court order read that sufficient evidence had been submitted against the suspect by the police to warrant suspicion of theft, adding the suspect was arrested in accordance with due process.

The suspect, however, claimed that he was not read his legal rights during the arrests. He further said the items he took were returned, stressing they had not been taken with the intention of stealing.

The suspect also said the manager of the shop he allegedly stole from did not wish to press charges against him.

According to the court order, the suspect has similar prior criminal records.