A 25-year-old man who was yesterday accused of stealing over Lm1,000 during a hold-up at the Old College Self-Service Store in Sliema, told Presiding Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera that it was a “frame-up”.

Steve Spiteri, who presently resides in prison, pleaded not guilty to stealing money and stamps from the shop to the detriment of Anthony Debono and his 62-year-old father Joseph Debono during a hold-up at around 2.45pm on 14 July.

Mr Spiteri was charged with holding people against their will and with being in possession of a weapon at the time of the commission of a crime. He was further charged with stealing a car to the detriment of Merlin Co. Ltd earlier that day and driving without an insurance cover.

Mr Spiteri was also accused of relapsing and breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence which was handed down in 2003.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted and Dr Sciriha appeared for the accused.