Vincent Muscat, 48, one of the accused in the attempted hold-up of the HSBC depot in Qormi, was refused bail once more this morning.

Muscat had been refused bail when he was initially charged in July, but his request was accepted three weeks later.

The Attorney General filed an appeal, and the bail was revoked.

Muscat had then submitted a fresh request for bail, which was rejected today.

Mr Muscat was arraigned together with Darren Debono, 33. The two are facing 18 charges that include the attempted murder of two police officers who foiled the hold-up, attempted robbery, stealing a gun from the bank’s security officer, holding three bank officers against their will, causing damage to property and relapsing.

Both are pleading not guilty.

Mr Debono is also in custody.