A Somali man yesterday denied holding a fellow countryman at knifepoint and stealing €225 in cash from him on Saturday night.

The victim only recognised his aggressor the day after the attack when he saw him in the queue to pick up the State-paid allowance, Police Inspector Fabian Fleri told the court.

Abdifaid Mahamud, 18, from Xlendi, denied stealing the money from Mohamed Abikar at about 10pm, holding him against his will, slightly injuring him and being in illegal possession of a knife. The incident happened at the Ħal Far open centre.

The prosecuting officer said that a second man was also involved but, although identified, could not be traced.

He objected to bail being granted to Mr Mahamud on grounds that although he said he lived in Xlendi he was not sure of the address and so could be difficult to find. The language barrier was also a problem.

Legal aid lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace noted that her client did know his address and that the language barrier should not be prejudicial to the case against him.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja remanded the accused in custody.