Charged with armed robbery

A man was yesterday charged with committing an armed robbery at a mini market in Marsascala more than two years ago.

Manuel Cachia, 27, from Żabbar, was charged with committing the armed robbery at Benbuy Mini Market on June 16, 2006, stealing cash and mobile top-up cards, holding owner Benny Gatt against his will and possessing a firearm at the time of the commission of a crime.

Furthermore, he was charged with stealing a Peugeot 106 from Hompesh Road in Fgura on June 13, 2006.

He was further charged with handling stolen property and relapsing.

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

The court heard that two of the stolen mobile top-up cards were sold to two people who claimed to have bought them from the accused.

With regard to the stolen vehicle, which according to police was the getaway car, the court heard that this has never been found.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted.

Lawyers Joseph Giglio and Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for the accused.