Libyan national Samir Almiri, 53, today was remanded in custody after being charged with the attempted theft of a woman’s handbag in Balluta.

He pleaded not guilty.

A court, presided over by Magistrate Joe Mifsud, heard that while the woman, who was with her grandchild, was shopping, the man allegedly tried to snatch her handbag which was in a compartment of the pushchair.

As soon as the grandmother realised what was happening, she started screaming and the police were alerted. He was soon identified and arrested by police.

Mr Almiri is a Hal Far open centre resident. It is understood he told police that he did not want to stay in Malta after he had been sent to Malta by the Swedish authorities.

Police Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted. Dr Mark Mifsud Cutajar was legal aid.