A man was cleared of complicity in the attempted murder of a shop owner during an armed robbery in 2009 but was sentenced to jail for driving the getaway car.

Matthew Mizzi, 29, from Cospicua was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison at the end of a 14-day trial by jury presided over by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi. Mr Mizzi is the second man to be sentenced to prison over this case. Jonathan Coleiro is already serving a 15-year term after being found guilty of carrying out the hold-up and shooting at the owner of Seven Mobiles in Psaila Street, Birkirkara.

The defence insisted Mr Mizzi had been tricked by Mr Coleiro, saying the accused was not aware of the plan because he had only given the perpatrator a lift.

Jurors, who started deliberating on Monday afternoon and returned with a mixed verdict late at night, found Mr Mizzi guilty of complicity in aggravated theft and of driving a car without a valid licence. He was acquitted of complicity in the 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 were the prosecutors.

Michael Sciriha was defence counsel assisted by Lucio Sciriha and Christopher Chircop.