A 17-year-old man was yesterday charged with carrying out two armed hold-ups and stealing two cars since last November.

Magistrate Abigail Lofaro heard the teenager, from Santa Lucija, plead not guilty to stealing cash and a cash register from Three Villages Bar in Balzan and holding Concetta and Maria Grech against their will on January 10.

He also pleaded not guilty to carrying out a second hold up the following day and stealing cash and the cash register from Gormina Bakery and Confectionary in Iklin, holding employee Roxanne Borg against her will and taking her mobile phone.

The teenager was also charged with keeping and carrying a shotgun without a licence, stealing two cars and making false declarations when he used the registration plate of one car on the other.

He was remanded in police custody.

Police Superintendent Pierre Calleja and Police Inspectors Silvio Valletta and Raymond Cassar prosecuted.

Lawyer Franco Debono appeared for the teenager.

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