A man who allegedly attacks elderly women to finance his drug problem was this morning remanded in custody.

Sebastian Farrugia, 34, of Qormi, pleaded not guilty to robbing two women, aged 65 and 73.

He allegedly slightly injured the 73-year-old when he grabbed her handbag which had €30 and a pair of glasses. The 65-year-old had €530.

In an impassioned speech, Police Inspector Anthony Portelli said that the request for bail should be denied to send a clear message to society that these types of crimes were completely unacceptable.

Defence lawyer Anglu Farrugia noted that at this point the accused was only being accused of the crime.

The police inspector said that the accused attacked elderly women because he had a drug problem.

Magistrate Silvio Meli asked the man what he was doing to get out of the habit. He told the magistrate he was taking methadone and receiving counselling. The magistrate asked the accused if he wanted more help and when he said he did, Magistrate Meli sent a recommendation to the prisons for the man to be given the necessary help.

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