A man has been jailed for three years after admitting his participation in a holdup at a St Venera mini market store last month.

Ronald Urry, a 54-year old unemployed resident of Birkirkara, had been arraigned alongside Justin Camilleri on Tuesday and had pleaded guilty to the robberies at three mini markets over the past month.

Duty magistrate Ian Farrugia heard the accused admit to charges relating to his involvement in one of the holdups, that which occurred on November 5, at St Venera, in which two women had been robbed at knifepoint.

He also pleaded guilty to having stolen cash and other items from a parked car in Naxxar on December 2 and to causing damage to the vehicle.

Urry was also accused of breaching bail conditions as well as being a recidivist. In separate proceedings, Urry is charged with the homicide of taxi driver Matthew Zahra in 2012.

After hearing the man admit the charges, duty magistrate Ian Farrugia declared him guilty and sentenced him to 3 years' imprisonment, recommending that the man be treated for drug addiction after the accused himself admitted to having this problem in court.

Revoking the man's bail, the court opted not to order the confiscation of Urry's €30,000 bail guarantee.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri, Lydon Zammit and Wayne Camilleri prosecuted.

Lawyer Joseph Ellis was legal aid counsel.