A hardened drug-addict with a criminal record dating back to 1975 has been jailed five years after he admitted robbing an elderly victim in October during an arraignment characterised by his outrageous claims that he was a ‘Satanist’.

George Farrugia, 58, of Valletta, had been charged with stealing a gold bracelet from an elderly woman in Ħamrun and of holding his victim against her will. He was further charged with stealing two suitcases from Valletta.

The accused, also a relapser, had registered an admission during his arraignment in October, landing a €4,000 fine for contempt of court after hurling insults and swearing at the presiding magistrate.

The court, presided over by magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, passed down judgment on Thursday, declaring the man guilty upon his own admission and highlighting the gravity of the charges, particularly those which involved an offence against an elderly person.

Magistrate Frendo Dimech made reference to legislation introduced in 2014 whereby such “deplorable crimes” against the most vulnerable members of society who only deserved respect, were to be harshly punished.

The court also took note of the accused's “very voluminous criminal record dating back to 1975” which bore witness to a wide spectrum of offences.

The court also placed the accused under a three-year treatment order and urged the prison director to consider the possibility “remote though it may be” that the man might overcome his drug habit and qualify for a rehabilitation programme.

Inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Daryl Borg prosecuted.