Ibrahim El Digwi, a 40-year-old Egyptian residing in Xaghra, Gozo, was remanded in custody yesterday evening after he was charged with theft from the residence of Maria Attard, in June 14, 2001.

El Digwi was charged following investigations into the death of Ms Attard, a 79-year-old spinster of Xaghra, who was found on the bottom of a well in a field in Ghajn Qamar Street, close to her house on February 22, 2002.

When the victim's body was found, there was some disagreement as to whether the case was a murder or a suicide, but investigations had never ceased.

The inquiring magistrate, Dr Giovanni Grixti, had encouraged the police to keep on investigating.

El Digwi, who is married and lives in Gozo, was recently arrested along with others and he was yesterday charged with the burglary from Ms Attard's residence.

Seven months later, Mrs Attard was found in a well, wearing everyday clothes and a pair of slippers. Several people the police had spoken to said that since the woman was robbed in June 2001, she had become a very reserved person.

The woman was found wearing religious medals and the key to her house was also pinned to her dress, as she used to keep it. She was wearing the few gold items she had and police found Lm50 in cash in one of the drawers.

The accused was refused bail.

Dr Franco Debono appeared for El Digwi while Inspector Christopher Pullicino prosecuted.