A 76-year old pensioner accused of an attempted armed hold-up at the Żejtun HSBC branch on Wednesday was granted bail after pleading not guilty upon his arraignment on Thursday.

Grezzju Piscopo, a Żejtun resident, was escorted to court under arrest.

He was accused of attempted aggravated theft, unlawfully holding a number of people against their will, possession of a weapon or an imitation firearm as well as having covered his face in public by wearing tights over his head.

A request for bail by defence lawyers Kathleen Calleja Grima and Andrew Cauchi was met by objections by the prosecution in view of the fact that several civilian witnesses still had to testify.

However, Dr Grima countered that they would definitely not object to any strict prohibition barring the accused from setting foot anywhere near the bank.

Moreover, as for the man’s financial means, the lawyer pointed out that his three children, all present in the courtroom and fully supportive of their elderly relative, would willingly help out.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo granted bail against a deposit of €750, a personal guarantee of €9,000 and a strict order not to approach any of the witnesses or any HSBC branch in Malta.

The man was also placed under a curfew between 10pm and 7am.

He was placed under a Temporary Supervision Order pending the proceedings. Inspectors Trevor Micallef and Mario Xiberras prosecuted.