A man alleged to have robbed a woman withdrawing money from a Qormi ATM at knife point denied charges against him on Tuesday, telling a court "I only used a butter knife."

Antoine Lawrence Mallia, a 42-year old welder from Żebbuġ, stands accused of having threatened a woman with a knife and making off with around €100 in cash at around 4.45pm in Triq it-Mithna on Monday. 

Mr Mallia was arrested by a quick-footed police officer who gave chase, caught up and arrested him. 

During his arraignment today, Mr Mallia admitted that he had a drug problem and said he used to spend some €200 daily to sustain his addiction. 

But when his parents put his foot down and refused to give him more money, he had managed to reduce his spending to €10 daily, he claimed. 

“I’ve never hurt anyone in my life. I only used a butter knife,” the arrested man declared in court, adding that he certainly intended to change.

Mr Mallia was charged with the aggravated theft of cash, with having held the victim against her will, with having carried a sharp instrument and also with being a relapser.

Defence counsel Leontine Calleja made a request for bail, arguing that her client lived with his parents, had fixed ties in Malta and was still presumed innocent.

However, Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, in view of the man’s unruly character, drug dependency problems and also in view of the gravity of the offences as charged, turned down the request declaring that it was not at all convinced that if he were to be granted bail he would not place himself and others in danger.

Mr Mallia was remanded in custody.

Inspectors Roderick Agius and Fabian Fleri prosecuted.