Man admits to Gzira hold-up

Jonathan Sant, 27 of Msida pleaded guilty to committing a hold-up on a confectionary shop in Gzira last Sunday.

He was arrested hours after the hold-up, after his accomplice, who is still on the run, walked into the shop while an off-duty policeman was buying sigarettes.

The policeman followed the thief who ran towards a getaway car, which was hired, and subsequently got to the accused who turned out to be the driver.

Sant however, did not reveal the name of his accomplice, and decided to admit to all the charges.

Lawyer Chris Busietta who appeared for Jonathan Sant, informed the court that his client was admitting to all six of the charges brought against him by the police, including aggravated theft, possession of a firearm and unlawful arrest.

He asked the court to verbalise the fact that he had given his client advice not to admit to the charges concerning the possession of firearm and unlawful arrest.

Meanwhile, the defence and prosecution agreed that on the basis of Sant's admission, he should be given a suspended sentence.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale who presided the court, informed both parties that he was to sentence Jonathan Sant next Friday afternoon.

He added that he was inclined to give Sant a suspended sentence, given that it was his first time committing a crime.

Sant was granted bail against a deposit of €400 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.