A man has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after he was found guilty of being an accomplice in an armed robbery at a mobile phones shop in Birkirkara in 2009.

Matthew Mizzi, 29, from Cospicua was on trial for the last two weeks, and the jury returned with the verdict late last night.

The hold-up took place April of six years ago. Jonathan Coleiro - who was subsequently convicted of the crime and jailed for 15 years - had carried out the hold-up and opened fire at the owner when he was chased out of the shop. The victim had been hit in his arm, but the injuries were not life threatening.

Mr Mizzi was accused of complicity as he had waited for Mr Coleiro in the getaway car. The defence led by lawyer Michael Schriha insisted Mr Mizzi had been tricked by Mr Coleiro, saying the accused was not aware of the plan as he had only given him a lift.

Jurors started deliberating yesterday at around 5pm. Mr Mizzi was found guilty of complicity in aggravated theft and of driving a car without a valid licence. He was acquitted of complicity in attempted murder and of procuring the weapon used in the robbery,

Lawyers Elaine Mercieca and Ann Marie Cutajar from the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted. Lucio Sciriha and Christopher Chircop were defence counsel.

The trial was heard before Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi.