A magistrate yesterday chided a drug addict for failing to show any will to reform in spite of being given countless chances to do so, as he was back in court in connection with a hold-up at a Ħamrun lotto booth.

“Do you know how many chances I have given you? I have known you since I became a magistrate 18 years ago,” Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera told Jesmond Gatt, 45, from Żabbar.

He was charged with holding 81-year-old Francesco Del Volto Santo Pizzuto against his will, threatening him with a knife and inflicting slight injuries on him during an armed robbery on Saturday afternoon. Mr Gatt – well known to the police due to his criminal record – was apprehended soon after the robbery in Duke of Edinburgh Street at about 3.10pm. Sources said he was found in possession of €37 in coins.

Police inspectors Carlos Cordina and Edel Mary Camilleri also charged him with receiving stolen items, illegal possession of a pointed weapon and of relapsing in regard to previous court sentences.

Inspector Cordina noted that this was the fourth time Mr Pizzuto’s lotto boot had been targeted by thieves.

The prosecution objected to a request for bail made by legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech, arguing that the accused had a long criminal record. Inspector Cordina added that there was irrefutable evidence against the accused, who was recognised by the victim soon after being arrested a few metres away from the scene of the crime.

Presiding Magistrate Scerri Herrera remarked that the accused had showed no will to change his life despite being granted several opportunities by the court over the years.

The court said the accused was not in a position to look after himself and should seek immediate support for his drug addiction.

The request for bail was denied over fear of tampering with evidence, the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of further misconduct by the accused.