An alcoholic was yesterday charged with harassing his wife and daughter while drunk.

Joseph Cauchi, 66, of Ħamrun, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Silvio Meli. He made the sign of the cross as the charges brought against him were being read out.

He was charged with harassing his wife and daughter and four police officers on two separate incidents when drunk.

Police Inspector Joseph Agius, prosecuting, said Mr Cauchi's behaviour was repeated, adding that the accused had even threatened to run over police officers and their families and that he would plant a bomb inside the police station.

The prosecuting officer said he took Mr Agius to Mount Carmel Hospital to be assessed and they said he knew exactly what he was doing when he made the threats.

Mr Cauchi was not represented by a lawyer because the legal aid lawyer on duty, Renzo Porsella Flores, informed the court he had a conflict of interest because he had appeared for Mr Cauchi's wife.

The magistrate asked Mr Cauchi why should he be granted bail and the frail-looking man, who was wearing a pair of blue slippers and occasionally drawing from his inhaler, told the magistrate he was not guilty.

The magistrate interrupted, pointing out it was not what he meant. Could he look after himself?

Mr Cauchi said he could and that he would behave.

The magistrate said things did not suggest he could and so remanded him in custody. He made a recommendation to the prison director for the man's serious alcoholism problems to be sorted out.

On his way out of the court room, Mr Cauchi thanked the magistrate.