The third member of a thieving trio allegedly behind a violent robbery from a Qormi residence earlier in January was remanded in custody on Thursday following the same fate as the other two co-accused who were arraigned a day earlier.

Patrick Mangion, from Valletta, who celebrated his 46th birthday on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to committing the aggravated theft, holding the victim against her will, slightly injuring her, and carrying a knife without a police licence.

He was further charged as a relapser as well as with breaching earlier bail conditions.

The man’s arraignment was put off to Thursday since he had been taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains before he had been due to face court on Wednesday. He was released from hospital earlier on Thursday.

The man pleaded not guilty but was remanded in custody after a request for bail was turned down by the court.

Another request by defence lawyer Alfred Abela for the accused to be detained at the Forensic Unit at Mount Carmel was upheld by the court, presided over by magistrate Simone Grech.

Mark Anthony Cardona, 41, from Birkirkara and Ryan Briffa, 28, from Qormi, were remanded in custody on Wednesday after likewise pleading not guilty to their involvement in the robbery.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri, Lydon Zammit and Roderick Agius prosecuted.

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