51-year-old accused of series of hold-ups

A 51-year-old man from Zebbug this afternoon pleaded not guilty to having carried out five hold-ups, all in Zebbug.

The man, whose name cannot be mentioned by court corder, pleaded not guilty to stealing from De Rohan Pharmacy on December 18, Sta Marija Pharmacy on December 31; a green grocer on January 5; Intimate Underwear Shop on January 8 and from Patrizio's hair salon last Friday.

He also denied holding people against their will, making illegal use of a weapon and slightly injuring Patrizio Parsascandolo in Friday's hold-up.

Defence counsel Gabrielle Zammit and Daniela Mangion asked the court to remand their client at the forensic unit of Mt Carmel Hospital and informed the court that he had been under psychiatric care for several years.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona issued a recommendation to the Director of Prisons based on their request.