Daniel Lanzon, aged 18, from Bormla, who has another case pending, explained that he was forced to commit these thefts because his life was at stake.

He said that he had refused to commit a Lm20,000 robbery and was consequently ordered to hand over Lm450 of his own money to compensate for his refusal. He was unemployed, had no financial means and had to commit the crimes with which he is charged to be able to get the money together.

Lanzon explained this during a short hearing to establish whether he should be granted bail.

The court refused to grant bail, and remanded him in custody, pending receipt of a report from another court.

The court was presided over by Magistrate Dennis Montebello, while Inspectors Maria Stella Cutajar and Joseph Borg prosecuted.