Updated at 1.45pm

An underage driver who allegedly drove at police officers after they spotted him driving a stolen car will remain behind bars after he declined to request bail.  

The teen was arrested late on Wednesday after Rapid Intervention Unit officials spotted him behind the wheel of a Nissan car that had been reported stolen earlier that day in Msida.

Prosecuting Inspector Colin Sheldon told the court that two RIU patrol units had spotted the stolen vehicle in Kirkop and had tried to stop the driver, who had accelerated upon catching wind of the police.

A passenger accompanying the accused during the whole incident had rushed out of the car and ran away before being tracked down later by the police. The girl had nothing to do with the charges filed against the driver.

The teenage driver was arraigned in court on Friday morning and pleaded not guilty to charges of having stolen the car, driving without a licence or insurance, attempting to grievously injure the officers and resisting arrest.

He sat in the dock alongside his father, listening attentively and nodding in understanding when his defence lawyer Franco Debono explained the father’s express wish not to request bail.

“These are serious charges, liable to an effective jail term,” magistrate Josette Demicoli explained to the young man seated at the dock.

“His situation may be salvaged. It’s not all lost,” intervened Dr Debono whilst explaining that although his client was pleading not guilty, there was to be no request for bail, according to the father’s express wishes.

For this reason, the court upheld a request for a Temporary Supervision Order so that the young man might be assigned an officer to watch over and guide him.

“Make sure to follow all instructions that will be given to you. It’s for your own good,” the magistrate advised the teen.

Lawyers Amadeus Cachia and Marion Camilleri were also defence counsel.