Updated | Bailed HSBC shooter caught again

Debono - who had been injured by a bullet in the jaw after opening fire on police during a foiled hold-up on the HSBC headquarters in Qormi on June 30 - this time was injured in the leg by a bullet from his own gun, as he was challenged by a jeweller who resisted an attack in Attard.

The incident happened at 8.30 pm in Triq il-Linja in Attard, when the jeweller was returning home after closing his shop.

Debono, together with another two - so far unknown persons - ambushed the jeweller while he entered his home with his elder son.

The jeweller was struck on the head with a revolver handle. During the commotion, the jeweller's son ran out and faced his father's assailants, managed to disarm Debono and turn the gun on him, pulled the trigger and shot him in the leg.

While the two accomplices ran away, Debono lay in pain on the ground until police arrived and arrested him.

The jeweller was also hospitalised and treated for a severe wound to his head. A van used by the suspects was found abandoned in the Ta' Qali area later at night.

The area was sealed off, while the Duty Magistrate conducted an on-site inquiry, assisted by forensic experts.

Just weeks ago, 33 year-old Darren Debono, known as ‘it-Topo’, was granted bail for the second time against a deposit of €5,000 and personal guarantee of €15,000 – and be indoors by a certain time.

Debono and his accomplice Vincent Muscat known as 'il-Kohhu', are each facing a total of 18 charges.

The first bail decision, issued on September 28, was revoked  by an Appeals Court that upheld an urgent request filed by the Attorney General who reacted to the news revealed by MaltaToday that a ‘dangerous suspect’ had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.

A fresh application for bail this time by both suspects was heard yesterday, and was granted by magistrate Edwina Grima. Another previous attempt by Muscat to be freed on bail was revoked in November by Judge David Scicluna.

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.

During the HSBC incident, three men, wearing wigs and fake moustaches had entered the HSBC building in Qormi at about 7.30 p.m. The police arrived on the scene after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activity at the building and, on their arrival, a vehicle, parked in front of the bank, sped off with the officers giving chase.

Three men were still inside the bank when someone called for help and the officers returned. When the intruders tried to leave, a shootout erupted in which about 60 bullets were fired. During the commotion, a second getaway car managed to escape with all the intruders.

Arrests started being made when Debono turned up at a private clinic asking to be treated for a bullet wound to the jaw.