Bail for both HSBC heist suspects
A Magistrates Court yesterday released two men on bail who stand charged with the attempted murder of police officers by shooting more than 60 rounds from a Magnum gun towards them, as well as kidnapping policemen and security officers, and attempting to rob the HSBC Bank Centre in Qormi.
Vincent Muscat 38 known as ‘il-Kohhu’ and 33 year-old Darren Debono known as ‘it-Topo’ were granted bail against a deposit of €5,000 and personal guarantee of €15,000..
For Muscat it is the second time that he has been granted bail, as the first decision issued on September 28, was revoked by an Appeals Court that upheld an urgent request filed by the Attorney General who reacted to the news revealed by MaltaToday that a ‘dangerous suspect’ had been released.
Another attempt by Muscat to be freed on bail was then revoked last week by Judge David Scicluna.
A fresh application for bail this time by both suspects was heard yesterday, and was granted by a Magistrate’s Court.
The Attorney General was given a day's chance to appeal before the bail decision becomes effective.
Muscat and Debono, are each facing a total of 18 charges.
Darren Debono still has splinters from a return shot fired from a police officer’s pistol during the dramatic shoot-out lodged in his jaw.