Aaron Cassar and Noel Frendo had both been sentenced to four years in prison after the court found them guilty of aggravated theft, holding a man against his will and possession of a firearm, among other related crimes. While the appeal’s court confirmed Frendo’s sentence, it ruled that Cassar should only serve three years and three months in prison.

The first court had not made a strong enough distinction between the criminal records of the two men, said the appeal’s court Therefore, Cassar’s appeal was upheld and his sentence reduced.

Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono presided over the court while inspectors Silvio Valletta and Carmelo Magri prosecuted.