The young woman was remanded in custody after denying that she had robbed and slightly injured a man with a physical impairment.

Kimberlyn Xuereb, a 25-year old Cospicua resident, was arraigned in court on Thursday over charges of aggravated theft, slight injuries, carrying a weapon during the commission of the offence, attacking and threatening her alleged victim as well as breaching the terms of four suspended sentences.

The court, presided over by magistrate Ian Farrugia, heard how the accused had allegedly committed the violent mugging in Valletta in February, making off with her victim’s wallet which contained credit cards and cash.

Prosecuting Inspector Priscilla Caruana Lee explained how the police had initially been unable to trace the culprit, since the suspect had  changed address. However, she was recognised on Wednesday and taken into police custody.

The woman pleaded not guilty and requested bail, her legal aid lawyer - Graziella Tanti - pointing out that the accused had been regularly attending meetings with a probation officer and was registering progress.

After hearing submissions on bail, the court turned down this request in view of the fact that the  victim was still to testify and also in view of the woman’s untrustworthy character.