A man accused of robbing two pharmacies and trying to rob another shop was unemployed and needed money to finance his drug addiction, a court heard yesterday.

Rodney Casha, 23, from Paola, was accused of stealing Lm427 in cash from Portelli Pharmacy at 6.50pm on 27 February. He was also accused of holding pharmacist Jonathan Cini against his will, threatening to kill him, possessing an unlicensed weapon during the commission of a crime and being in possession of a sharp and pointed instrument.

He was further charged with stealing Lm55 in cash from Santa Lucija Pharmacy, holding Raymond Xuereb against his will, threatening to kill Mr Xuereb, being in possession of a weapon without a licence issued by the Police Commissioner and being in possession of a sharp and pointed instrument.

Finally, Mr Casha was accused of trying to rob yet another shop in Tarxien, being in possession of a sharp and pointed instrument and to tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.

Objecting to a request for bail, prosecuting officer Jesmond Borg and Alexandra Mamo said that the accused told investigators that he had no job and needed money in order to finance his drug addiction.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna turned down the request for bail and ordered the prosecution to ensure that the alleged victims testify in court at the first sitting so that there would be no risk that the accused tampers with the evidence. He also ordered that the Corradino Correctional Facility director be informed about Mr Casha’s drug addiction so that he could start treatment for his addiction.

Police Superintendent Alexandra Mamo and Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted while Dr Kris Busietta appeared for the accused.