A self-confessed drug addict who three days ago allegedly raided two stores in Msida, injuring one of the shop owners, has pleaded not guilty to charges against him.

Johan Pace, a 28-year old pastizzeria worker, pleaded not guilty to the two aggravated thefts which took place on June 16 at around 11am, when two greengrocers were targeted one after the other within a matter of minutes.

In the course of the first theft, the storekeeper suffered grievous injuries and was still receiving medical treatment, the prosecution informed the court.

Mr Pace allegedly made off with a Nokia mobile phone, a set of weighing scales, a television, the modem and screen of the CCTV system as well as some €70 in cash from the first store.

Barely minutes later, he made off with a second set of weighing scales from another Msida store, the prosecution said.

The alleged thief was further charged with having caused grievous injuries to one of the victims, without intending to place the latter’s life in manifest danger, with having caused voluntary damage to third party property and also with having breached the conditions of a three-year probation order issued in April.

Legal aid counsel Dr Josette Sultana informed presiding magistrate Monica Vella that she had been unable to communicate adequately with her client in view of the man's state of health, a fact which the man himself explained in open court.

“I need treatment at the detox centre,” the man declared.

A plea of not guilty was registered, with no bail request being made at this stage in view of the fact that it would be more beneficial to ensure that the arrested man be given all the necessary help he needed, Dr Sultana explained.

Upholding this suggestion by the defence, the court remanded the man in custody recommending that the prison authorities were to provide him with all the necessary help.

Inspector Lara Butters prosecuted.

Lawyer Martha Mifsud appeared parte civile for the injured victim.