Two Libyan men who “banged the heads of two Scottish tourists together” and allegedly stole a mobile phone were yesterday remanded in custody after pleading not guilty.

Ben Hamouda Rashad Ramadan, 18, and El Jadei Mahmud Fathi, 23, trawled the streets of Paceville looking for intoxicated and vulnerable victims to steal from on Wednesday morning, police inspector Elton Taliana said.

During the incident, the accused banged the heads of Rory Steward and Graham Adams together before stealing an HTC phone belonging to Mr Steward, the inspector said.

This was a very serious crime, the police argued, especially when one took into consideration that the victims were doing nothing when they were set upon.

The accused pleaded not guilty to stealing the phone, handling stolen property and assaulting the victims.

Defence lawyer Marion Camilleri said this was a case which should have been dealt with in a district sitting and not under arrest. She said Mr Ramadan was learning English in Malta while Mr Fathi was a tourist.

Inspector Taliana insisted that the case was serious enough for bail to be denied and said there was fear they might abscond.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit denied the Libyans’ request and remanded them in custody.