Convicted bank robber Darren Debono told a court this afternoon that he would not testify about his accomplices, despite benefiting from a plea deal over the 2010 HSBC heist, saying he feared for his son’s safety.

Magistrate Monica Vella ordered the rearrest of self-confessed bank robber Darren Debono it-Topo after he refused to answer questions about his accomplices in court as the compilation of evidence against Vincent Muscat continued today.

Debono had been given a 10 year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony as part of a plea deal with the Attorney General’s Office.

But Debono’s first words from the witness stand were to the effect that he would only testify against Muscat.

Earlier this afternoon, the court refused Muscat’s lawyers’ request for constitutional reference to decide whether or not Debono’s testimony was admissible.

Prosecuting police inspector Joseph Mercieca asked him about his involvement in the attempted hold up of HSBC.

“My involvement was that we planned to hit the bank. I was outside, I wasn’t with the others inside the bank.”

He was driving an SUV, he said. Whilst waiting outside a car arrived and he tried to call his accomplices to tell them to get out as the police were coming. Then he heard shots.

“Whilst on the phone I heard shots. As they turned the corner, I fired a shot in the air so that the others could escape.” He had been shot in the face, he added.

“Was Vince one of the men who went inside?” Inspector Mercieca asked. The witness replied in the affirmative. “Who were the others?”

“Two other accomplices,” replied Debono, repeatedly refusing to give up the names of his fellow bank robbers.

The Court ordered the witness to tell the whole truth. “I am giving you a final warning. You mentioned accomplices apart from Vince Muscat, who were they?”

“I cannot open my mouth, madam Magistrate. I don’t want to put my son’s life at risk,” Debono said.

The court decreed that the witness was being selective in his testimony and was refusing to answer specific questions. He was insisting in his refusal, noted the court.

The court ordered Debono’s immediate arrest and ordered the police to arraign the witness before the competent court within 48 hours.

The court asked the witness one last time before issuing the order, but Debono confirmed that he was not going to testify.

Magistrate Vella dictated a pronouncement, saying that the court was sending the acts back to the Criminal Court in line with the Criminal court’s decree. “X’ affarijiet dawn,” remarked the magistrate angrily.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Roberto Montalto are appearing for Muscat.

Lawyer Edward Gatt assisted Darren Debono. Lawyer Giannella Busuttil from the Office of the Attorney General and Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca are prosecuting.