A 25-year-old man and his 49-year-old girlfriend were yesterday charged with robbing their neighbour at knifepoint in July.

Clayton Fenech, from Ġzira, and his girlfriend Josephine Grixti, from Valletta, pleaded not guilty to holding Robert Thomas Owen against his will, handling stolen property, being in possession of a penknife and relapsing.

Ms Grixti was also charged with committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence and with loitering for prostitution.

The incident allegedly happened as Mr Owen, who lives next door to the couple, was walking home from work along Testaferrata Street in Ġzira when Ms Grixti approached him and asked for a cigarette.

Police inspector Carlos Cordina told the court that as Mr Owen handed her one, Mr Fenech threatened him with a knife and stole his cash.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea rejected a request for bail and remanded the accused in custody.

Inspector Cordina prosecuted while lawyer Anthony Stellini acted as legal aid.

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