Aaron Cassar, 24, from Kirkop and Noel Frendo, 28, from Qawra, pleaded not guilty to committing an armed robbery of over Lm1,000 to the detriment of 70-year-old Joseph Grixti as well as to holding the man against his will last Monday morning.

The men were remanded in custody after they denied the additional charges of car theft and heroin possession. They allegedly stole a Ford Escort on the night between 10 and 11 July and handled stolen goods, including a pistol.

They were also accused of carrying an unlicensed firearm and relapsing in view of previous

convictions.

Frendo was charged with committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence and breaching the terms of a conditional discharge.

Presiding magistrate Lawrence Quintano denied the accused’s request for bail and remanded them both in custody. Dr Quintano noted that the men must be given special permission to visit the detoxification centres for medication.

Inspectors Jeffrey Cilia and Raymond Cassar prosecuted while Dr Anglu Farrugia and Dr Franco Debono appeared for the accused.