Four plead not guilty to Scan robbery

In addition to the charges of robbery aggravated by violence, Wayne Delia and Christopher Philip Agius also stand accused with having stolen a vehicle and other objects from Marsa. Wayne Delia is also accused of having committed a further crime while being a recidivist.

Wayne Delia, Joseph Barbara and Joshua Gatt requested bail. The prosecution opposed this request in view of civilians who still needed to testify, and that this crime was aggravated by four further crimes and that they should be regulated under strict control.

Dr Shazoo Ghaznavi and Dr Robert Galea appeared for Delia and Agius. Dr Ghaznavi expressed that this was not relevant regarding the request for bail in view of the presumption of innocence.

Legal aid Dr Mark Busuttil appearing for Joseph Barbara and Joshua Gatt argued that since Barbara is employed, he would be more of a burden on the state since in the meantime he could be earning money instead. He said that the media had sensationalised this case but the accused's rights were to be considered as well.

The court for the reasons mentioned by the prosecution ordered that bail should not be granted at this stage.

Christopher Philip Agius could not request bail since he admitted to charges of going against his bail restrictions. In determining the penalty in this regard, the defence asked the court to take into consideration that he is unemployed, and has no means to pay thus being a further burden on his family and that he should be given sufficient time in which to make the payment.

The court was also asked to take into consideration the accused's age, and that he was outside beyond the time limit established by the courts only as a form of youth folly since he was in the company of friends. The court hence condemned Agius to four month imprisonment and a €500 to be paid within six months.

Inspector Chris Pullicino prosecuted.