A man who has taken part in attempted hold-ups including on Frank Zampa Jewellery in Valletta last September was this morning jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty.

Marcus John Calleja, 37 of Balzan, also pleaded guilty to holding Mr Zampa against his will, threatening to kill him, seriously injuring him, possessing an unlicensed firearm at the time of the commission of a crime, damaging Mr Zampa's property and relapsing

The attempted robbery at Zampa Jewellery had hit the headlines because 79-year-old jeweller Frank Zampa struck back at his assailants and scared them away.

Earlier in the proceedings Mr Calleja had pleaded not guilty

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli said Mr Calleja had a serious drug problem and a voluminous criminal record.

He recommended to the prisons director to provide Mr Calleja with drug rehabilitation treatment.

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