Charged with robbing six women

A 21-year-old man has been charged with stealing a car and robbing six women, taking more than €232 worth of items and cash from each of them.

David Gauci of Floriana was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the spate of thefts that took place between March 26 and last Saturday.

He denied slightly injuring a 68-year-old woman who was walking through Lazzru Pisani Street in Żebbuġ when the alleged attack took place.

Mr Gauci allegedly grabbed the necklaces off the women and in a split second, also taking their handbags. The incidents took place in Birkirkara, Sliema, Gżira and Żebbuġ between 1 and 8 p.m.

Police Inspector Daniel Zammit explained to the court that Mr Gauci has a drug problem and is currently under the care of a probation officer to help him with his addiction.

The prosecution informed the court that the accused was not alone in the robberies and that they were investigating other people believed to be involved in the crimes.

Before remanding him in custody the Magistrate Doreen Clarke took into consideration the seriousness of the charges and that there was absolutely no cooperation from the accused during questioning.