A man's drug problem led to his mother and two sisters turn towards the court for help, with the mother pleading with the police "our family is broken".

Justin Camilleri, 30, physically threatened his mother and two sisters after they refused to give him money. Mr Camilleri had drug problems and would turn to his mother for financial support, Inspector Alfredo Mangion said.

"She told me she knew her son had problems but his issues left her family broken and she does not want him in her home anymore," Mr Mangion said.

The police then showed up at Mr Camilleri's house to intervene after he threatened the family for not giving him money.

Visibly on drugs, the man was taken to the health centre and later to Mount Carmel. But on the drive to Mount Carmel, Mr Camilleri started to threaten the policeman escorting him, telling him he knew where he lived and would hurt his family and children. The accused had known the policeman from school when they were younger.

It was a defiant Mr Camilleri that stood in front of the courts, insisting he never hurt anyone. "I've been clean for eight months, I had only relapsed for those two days," he said.

His comments prompted his legal aid to quickly shush him, but Mr Camilleri cried out: "No, I'm being painted as a crazy person!"

With no place to stay, the 30-year-old told the court he would move to Dar Papa Frangisk until he found a job. The man pleaded guilty to the accusations.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras issued a protection order for two-and-a-half years, and put him a probation for two-and-a-half years.

"I didn't give you a long time, because I'm hoping one day you will be able to be with your family again," the magistrate said.

Legal aid Raisa Colombo appeared for the accused.