A court heard today how two drug users staged a robbery and let themselves be caught in an attempt to get themselves into a drug rehabilitation programme quicker.

Alan Caruana, 36, and Ruth Borda, 33, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Gabriella Vella with making off with a Peugeot 406 parked in Marsascala containing a laptop, smartphone and camera.

Prosecuting officer Josric Mifsud told the court that the pair fully cooperated with the police. They did not cause damages to the vehicle as the key was left in the ignition and the stolen goods were left untouched.

He noted that the two had to spend two days receiving treatment before being arraigned in court.

"Our interest is that they start a rehabilitation programme and emerge from their habit," Insp. Mifsud told the court.

Ms Borda told the court that when the two sought help they were told to return in 10 days.

"We wanted to be caught. We didn't cause any damage to the vehicle and we drove around slowly, waiting to be caught."

Legal aid lawyer Simon Micallef Strafrace asked for bail, arguing that the best way forward was for them to begin a residential programme.

The court turned down the request for bail but recommended the director of prisons to send the two to a rehabilitation programme as quickly as possible.