Man faces hold-up charges

Manuel Cachia, 27, from Zabbar has been accused of committing an armed robbery at Benbuy Mini Market in Marsascala more than two years ago.

He was accused of stealing cash and mobile top-up cards, holding owner Benny Gatt against his will and possessing a firearm.

He was also charged with stealing a Peugeot 106 from Hompesh Road in Fgura on June 13, handling stolen property and relapsing.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, heard that two armed and hooded people were involved in the armed robbery at the mini market. One robber had a sawn-off shotgun while the other was in possession of a pistol.

Two of the stolen mobile phones top-up cards were sold to two people who claimed to have bought them from the accused.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted while lawyers Joseph Giglio and Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for the accused.