A man who had allegedly robbed a delivery man of €700 worth of food and detergents outside Smart Supermarket in Birkirkara pleaded not guilty but was remanded in custody.

Marco Vella, 42, of Mosta allegedly drove up to the victim in a car together with another three people and robbed the delivery man on February 25 at about 11 a.m. The prosecution is claiming they took €700 worth of food items and detergents.

Police investigations involving the other individuals have not been concluded yet.

Mr Vella, who was accompanied in court by his elderly mother, also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono told Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna his client had been out on police bail and cooperated with the police, so he should be granted bail.

Police Inspector Chris Pullicino, however, argued that the man was not trustworthy, pointing out that he was diabetic and had tried to skip a meal to become ill and be taken to hospital for treatment.

Shortly after Magistrate Apap Bologna remanded him in custody, Mr Vella's mother broke down in tears outside the court.

Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia also prosecuted.