Aaron Cassar, 32, of Kirkop, and Noel Frendo, 36, of Qawra, were this afternoon convicted of a hold-up in Qawra where they stole some €7,000 but were arrested shortly after.

The two men were accused of stealing the money from 70-year-old Joseph Grixti. The theft had occurred in July 2004.

They allegedly stopped him in his car and held him at gunpoint before making off with the money.

The police stopped their car a short while afterwards and found the  small black pouch containing the stolen money as well as items such as balaclavas, gloves and clothing used in the hold-up.

Sentencing is expected on Wednesday after character witnesses are heard.