A 50-year-old woman was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges stemming from an incident in St George's Square, Valletta, during which she allegedly disobeyed, threatened and insulted police officers.

The 50-year-old from Pietà, was arraigned before the Court of Magistrates on Monday following the incident on 21 August.

The court heard police officers on duty in St George's Square were approached by members of the public who drew their attention to a woman who was allegedly walking around without a top and wearing only a bra.

An officer testified police approached the woman and asked her to put on a top, but she allegedly ignored their instructions.

Police encountered her again later, when she was allegedly exposing her breasts. Officers asked her to provide her personal details, but she allegedly refused to cooperate.

She was subsequently arrested and informed of her rights.

The court heard the woman had a one-litre bottle of vodka in her possession which appeared to be almost empty. Police confiscated the bottle.

After being taken to the Valletta police station, she allegedly began shouting and insulting officers, including making offensive remarks about their deceased relatives and families.

The accused was later taken to Mater Dei Hospital because she did not appear to be in a fit condition.

Police were informed the following day that she would have to remain in hospital for further assessment, including by psychiatric professionals. She was consequently granted police bail until 9am on Monday.

She returned to the police station at the appointed time and was arrested again before being arraigned.

She was charged with insulting or threatening Inspector Abigail Pomroy and other police officers while they were carrying out their duties, disobeying legitimate police orders, voluntarily disturbing public order and peace, being drunk in public, and behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

No request for bail was made at this stage. However, legal aid lawyer Rachel Tua asked that the accused receive the necessary care and, rather than being sent to prison, be held at the forensic unit at Mount Carmel Hospital.

The magistrate clarified the decision on where the accused is held does not fall within the court's remit but is ultimately a matter for the prison authorities.

The court nevertheless formally recommended that she be placed at Mount Carmel's forensic unit to receive the necessary care.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Abigail Pomroy.