A man who works as a supermarket shelf stacker yesterday denied his involvement in a 2013 theft after an alleged co-accused disclosed his identity to the police.

The theft took place in St Ursula Street in Valletta on November 19, 2013, when several jewellery items were stolen and during which a 76-year-old woman was slightly injured and held against her will.

James Agius, 26, of Floriana, was charged after another male, who at the time was just 13 years old and cannot be named by court order, admitted to the crime and told the police he had not been alone. Mr Agius was also charged with slightly injuring the elderly woman and holding her against her will.

When he appeared before Magistrate Ian Farrugia, Mr Agius denied the charges brought against him.

He was granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a €10,000 personal guarantee.

The court noted the accused’s clean criminal record, aside from a minor conviction for his part in a fight with a friend while the two were playing a PlayStation game.

Police inspector Carlos Cordina prosecuted, while lawyer Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.