Mario Camilleri, 35, from Zebbug appeared in court yesterday, charged with an attempted robbery, damaging private property, being in possession of an unlicensed pen-knife, threatening two police constables and preventing them from carrying out their duties and relapsing in view of previous convictions.

The prosecution told the court that, following an anonymous tip-off, the police went to the residence of four old people at around 6.30pm last Saturday.

They found two people trying to break into the house. One got away and has still not been found while the other was the accused. The prosecuting inspectors also told the court that Camilleri might be following a pattern of stealing from the elderly.

The man pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and was remanded in custody.

Inspectors Anthony Portelli and Stephen Gatt prosecuted while Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for Camilleri.