The courts had to send a clear message that mugging elderly people was completely unacceptable, a police inspector said on the arraignment of a man charged with robbing two women.

Sebastian Farrugia, 34, of Qormi pleaded not guilty to mugging and slightly injuring 73-year-old Mary Antonia Camilleri on Wednesday and taking off with €30 and a pair of glasses. Ms Camilleri was injured when her assailant pushed her to the ground.

He also pleaded not guilty to mugging Carmela Gatt, 65, on February 25, taking her handbag containing €530 and holding both women against their will.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli said bail should be denied as a clear message had to be sent to society that this type of crime was unacceptable. The accused had attacked the women because of his drug problem, the inspector said.

Defence lawyer Anġlu Farrugia said the accused was just that, accused, innocent until proven otherwise.

Magistrate Silvio Meli asked the accused whether he was seeking help for his drug addiction and Mr Farrugia replied he was on methadone and was also seeing a counsellor.

The court remanded him in custody and recommended that the prison authorities allow him to receive drug rehabilitation treatment.

Lawyer Caroline Farrugia also appeared for Mr Farrugia.