A gypsum plasterer has been charged in connection with an armed robbery at a betting shop in Mosta, from where about €500 in cash were stolen on Wednesday night.

Justin Scicluna, 18, who lives round the corner from Izibet in Main Street, Mosta, was arraigned under arrest before Magistrate Neville Camilleri and pleaded not guilty to the seven charges brought against him.

The teenager, who has a criminal record, was accused of aggravated theft, holding a person against his will, of being possession of an unlicensed fire weapon and of wearing a mask to hide his face.

He was also accused of breaching the conditions of a suspended sentenced handed down last April.

The court turned down a request for bail, for fear of any tampering of evidence.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia were defence counsel.

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