A 19-year-old youth yesterday pleaded not guilty to stealing e56,000 worth of diamonds in a hold-up at a jewellery shop in Valletta.

Shawn Mamo, from Pieta, was charged, before presiding magistrate Giovanni Grixti, of stealing diamonds during a hold up worth e56,000 at Joseph Debono Jewellery in Valletta on 6 December.

He also pleaded not guilty to holding Antoine Debono and Rita Vella against their will and being in possession of a firearm and ammunition during the commission of a crime.

Defence lawyer Richard Sladden told the court that he was not going to request bail for his client because he is already in prison after he breached bail conditions of another case.

Police inspector Michael Mallia and Police Inspector Pierre Micallef Grimaud prosecuted while Dr Richard Sladden appeared for Mr Mamo as legal aid.