Brian Pace, 39, of Paola, this morning admitted in court to impersonating a police officer and robbing two elderly women in their home in Sliema.

Pace was arrested yesterday when he turned himself in at Paola police station after police appeals for information. He reportedly gave the police information about the thefts and said he was not alone.

The thefts included five Rolex watches, one of which was worth €80,000.

Defence counsel Mark Busuttil urged the court not to take a blanket approach and pointed out that his client was not the mastermind behind the theft. The other person involved was allegedly related to the victims.

Dr Busuttil said his client had an addiction problem and had stayed in Mount Carmel Hospital. He should not be the sacrificial lamb as he was used and exploited in the situation.

However the prosecution said he might have been used, but he was paid  €1,000 for the theft, even if he had been promised 42,000. Mr Pace also cooperated with the police.

Bail was denied. Judgement will be handed down on Tuesday.