Second man accused over Birkirkara hold-up

The police have arraigned a young man they believe to be the getaway driver in last week's violent hold-up in Birkirkara over which another man has been charged with trying to kill a shop owner.

Matthew Mizzi, 22, stands charged with being an accomplice in the attempted murder, being in possession of a firearm, handling stolen property, damaging the shop and driving the green Hyundai accent allegedly used in the armed robbery without a licence. He denied the charges.

Police suspicions were raised when Mr Mizzi walked into the Birkirkara police station soon after the incident and reported that he had been held at gunpoint by a man who jumped into his car and told him to stop outside a shop, police sources said. Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia said Mr Mizzi made inconsistent and varied statements that did not tally.

The victim of the hold-up, Charles Zammit, who owns a mobile phone shop, was wounded in the hand and left side when he was allegedly shot at five times by another man, Jonathan Coleiro, 24, who was arraigned last Thursday.

Mr Coleiro pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Zammit and stealing over €2,239 worth of electronic equipment. He was remanded in custody.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke yesterday remanded Mr Mizzi in custody as well after taking into consideration the seriousness of the charges and ordered that the two men be kept separate.

Lawyer Kris Busietta appeared for Mr Mizzi.