A man who fired six shots at the owner of a mobile phone shop, injuring him during a hold-up, was jailed for 15 years yesterday.

Jonathan Coleiro, 27, of Cospicua, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Charles Zammit when he entered his shop brandishing a revolver. The incident took place in Seven Mobiles outlet in Psaila Street, Birkirkara in April of 2009. Mr Coleiro, who was hooded, pointed the gun at Mr Zammit and fired a warning shot. He then ordered Mr Zammit to go to a room at the back of the shop before stealing three mobile phones and a laptop, together worth about €2,500.

However, Mr Zammit got angry and tried to attack Mr Coleiro, who turned and fired five shots at him point blank. Luckily, only one shot hit Mr Zammit, injuring him in his left arm.

Even though he was injured, Mr Zammit chased Mr Coleiro as he ran out of the shop and then got away in a car.

Mr Coleiro pleaded guilty to attempted murder, theft and relapsing – just as he was about to face a trial by jury.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia said this could not be described as an early guilty plea.

In jailing Mr Coleiro, he ordered him to pay €5,300 worth of fees incurred by court experts.