The man allegedly behind the attempted armed hold-up in a Żabbar shop two days ago, was remanded in custody after his arraignment on Thursday afternoon.

Marcus John Calleja, a 46-year old Balzan welder, was accused of attempted aggravated theft, holding four persons against their will, having been armed while committing a crime, having carried a gun without a licence as well as having fired the gun within a distance of less than 200 metres from an inhabited area.

The man was further accused of being a recidivist. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The hooded suspect armed with a revolver, entered the Crystal Palace confectionery in Main Street at 8.10pm on Tuesday and ordered the shop owner to hand over the money in the till.

The shopkeeper resisted and was promptly helped by three young men who rushed in and held the intruder, people on the scene had said.

In the ensuing tussle, the revolver went off but nobody was hurt.

No request for bail was made but Inspector Fabian Fleri requested the court to recommend to the prison director to ensure that the man was given all necessary help for a drug problem.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke duly upheld the request and remanded the man in custody.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri, Lydon Zammit and Joanna Piscopo prosecuted.

Lawyer Raisa Colombo was legal aid counsel.

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