An 18-year-old charged with committing a hold-up at a Mosta betting shop two weeks ago was once again denied bail yesterday, with Magistrate Joe Mifsud stating that it was high time that the interests of society at large were placed first.

Lawyer Franco Debono had requested bail for Justin Scicluna, saying that since all civilian witnesses had testified, then there was no fear of him tampering with evidence.

He said his client could be supervised by a probation officer, as it needed to be understood why such a young man had found himself in such a situation.

Magistrate Mifsud turned down the request.

“It has become customary to protect the interests of those arraigned in court and not the needs of society. Society is terrified,” Magistrate Mifsud said.

The time had come to safeguard society and not just the rights of those associated with crime.

The teenager, who has a criminal record, was accused of aggravated theft, holding a person against his will, stealing €500, being in possession of an unlicensed weapon and wearing a mask to hide his face.

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