A Police Inspector yesterday told a magistrates’ court that elderly people need to be protected, as they are repeatedly falling victim to an increasing number of robberies.

Brian Muscat, 41, from Cospicua, who allegedly committed a theft from the residence of an elderly woman in the same locality, was remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to stealing money, a mobile phone and other items to the detriment of Elizabeth Caruana on 12 January.

He was further charged with damaging the woman’s property and with relapsing.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano took into consideration the fact that the accused has a drug problem and that he has quite a long criminal history.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli prosecuted, while legal aid Dr Anthony Cutajar appeared for the accused.