A drug addict who was arrested after a police chase on Monday afternoon is pleading not guilty to 20 counts of traffic-related offences, theft from cars and attempted serious injury.

Charles Gouder, 41, of Żabbar – who has a “voluminous” criminal record – said he was actually homeless but living with his mother.

Mr Gouder pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring two police officers, stealing a quad bike and number plates, riding the bike when his driving licence was suspended, driving without insurance, damaging a police motorbike, changing the number plates and chassis number of the quad bike, carrying a flick knife, stealing car stereos, handling stolen property, breaching bail conditions and relapsing.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca said the accused should not be released on bail because he was a repeat offender, ignored court orders and was a grown-up who should know better.

Magistrate Francesco Depas-quale remanded him in custody.

The high-speed chase started in Għaxaq where a traffic policeman spotted a quad bike bearing number plates that were allegedly stolen.

The officer ordered the quad bike driver to stop but he kept on going and, at one point, the quad bike swerved, hitting the police motorcycle and the policeman fell.

The assistance of the mobile squad was sought and the quad bike was eventually stopped in Fgura, where it was rammed by a police car.