Two more arraigned over Valletta jeweller’s hold-up
Another two men were arraigned yesterday in connection with the botched hold-up on a Valletta jeweller’s last year, a week after a third robber was jailed for his involvement in the crime that almost cost the shop owners’ father his life. Michael...
Another two men were arraigned yesterday in connection with the botched hold-up on a Valletta jeweller’s last year, a week after a third robber was jailed for his involvement in the crime that almost cost the shop owners’ father his life.
Michael Zahra, 39, of Valletta and Jason Galea, 37, of Birżebbuġa pleaded not guilty to trying to steal from Frank Zampa Jewellery in St Lucia Street on September 18.
They were also charged with holding 79-year-old Francesco Zampa against his will, seriously injuring him, being in illegal possession of a firearm and relapsing.
The attempted robbery took place when Mr Zampa was inside his son’s shop. A former top waterpolo player, he fought off three men who barged into the jewellery shop with the intention of stealing.
He was injured when a bullet grazed his cheek as a revolver went off at close range during a scuffle. The men ran away after Mr Zampa, thinking the gun was firing blanks, put up a ferocious fight despite blows raining down on him and having a taser gun fired at him.
Marcus John Calleja, 37, of Balzan, last Friday pleaded guilty to his involvement in the attempted hold-up and was jailed for three-years.
Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted Mr Galea bail against a €2,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of €3,000. Mr Zahra remained in prison as he is serving time for another theft-related case. Police Inspectors Daniel Zammit and Joseph Mercieca prosecuted. Lawyer José Herrera was defence counsel.