Hold-ups lookout gets jail

A 34-year-old man was jailed for one year after a court found him guilty of taking part in hold-ups on three shops between December and January.

Ivan Falzon was originally charged with committing the hold-ups together with Silvio Camilleri, 23. After admitting to the charges, Mr Camilleri was jailed for three years.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard how Mr Falzon had taken part in the hold-ups by standing guard at the door when the theft was carried out. The hold-ups were carried out at Cute Looks in St Paul's Bay on December 30, Minorca Shoe Store in San Ġwann on January 3 and St Joseph's Pharmacy in Lija on January 4.

Less than €2,300 was stolen from each shop.

Employees were in the shops serving customers at the time of the crimes. Magistrate Anthony Vella heard how Mr Falzon did not enter any of the outlets.

There was no proof to find Mr Falzon guilty of possessing a firearm at the time of the crime, holding any of the employees against their will, threatening them, or having carried a knife, the court said.

It added that Mr Falzon could not be found guilty of relapsing either and so cleared him of these charges.

Mr Falzon was, however, found guilty of participating in each of the hold-ups and jailed for one year.

Lawyer David Gatt appeared for Mr Falzon.