The compilation of evidence against Maximilian Ciantar, who is charged with a hold-up on Easter Sunday, continued this afternoon with Magistrate Aaron Bugeja hearing the testimony of the couple involved in the attempted robbery.

Two men, one holding a knife, attacked the couple, who had been milking the cows at around 4am at their farm in Dingli.
“The dogs started barking and a short while later I had a fright when one of the thieves started to chase me with a knife, but luckily I managed to run away and hide in the fields,” the farmer said.

The wife had remained rooted to the spot and was punched several times by one of the intruders who had been wearing a crash helmet. The other intruder’s face had been covered with a scarf.

“He insisted that I give him money and when I told him I had none to the point that he asked me to pull down my trousers to check if I was saying the truth,” she said.
Both witnesses testified that the thieves slashed two of their van’s tyres as well as taking the keys.

Both witnesses said they recognised Ciantar from his eyes.

Ciantar, a 26-year-old career criminal, is pleading not guilty to attempted aggravated theft. Darryl Anthony Anderson, 19, is being tried separately for the same offence.

Lawyer Joe Brincat is defending Ciantar. Police inspector Neville Mercieca is prosecuting.