Three men who assaulted and robbed a woman of some €6,000 have been collectively sentenced to 80 months in jail.

The attack took place on July 21, 2009, as Josephine Grixti was returning home to the top floor of her apartment block in Valletta.

Her relative Diego Grixti, a 27-year-old from Floriana, punched her as Clayton Borg, 26, from St Julian’s, put his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming. Both wore tights over their heads.

Meanwhile, Luaie Borg, 25, from Valletta, wearing a hockey mask, took her money.

Ms Grixti had testified she recognised the men as the tights were transparent and she and Clayton Borg had dated for more than a year. Luaie Borg was her ex-boyfriend’s cousin.

Ms Grixti later returned to the witness stand, arguing she could have incorrectly identified the men.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke said her first testimony was far more credible. She sentenced Mr Grixti to 30 months in jail, Clayton Borg to two years and Luaie Borg to 26 months, with an additional nine months that had previously been suspended.