Andrea Busuttil, 27, of Sliema – the man who jumped into the sea to avoid being arrested on 30 July – today was charged with stealing cash and jewellery from the home of a 92-year-old woman. The burglary allegedly took place on 9 June. He was also charged with being in possession of various drugs, relapsing and breaching bail conditions.

The drugs - cannabis, cocaine and heroin – had been found in his possession when he was captured by police on 30 July. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Initially, the police had gone to arrest Mr Busuttil in connection with the robbery but as soon as he spotted the officers he ran off and jumped into the sea in Gzira, even going as far as challenging the police officer who was chasing him to jump in as well. The officer had obliged and jumped in.

Mr Busuttil had been charged with resisting arrest and was remanded in custody. The magistrate had suggested that Mr Busuttil is transferred to the Forensic Ward at Mt Carmel Hospital.

Lawyer Jason Azzopardi appeared for the accused. Police Inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Justine Grech prosecuted.