Darren Debono, the man who was allegedly injured in the attempted HSBC heist and was injured again during a hold-up on a jeweller in Attard, this afternoon admitted his involvement in the latter case.

He was wheeled into the court room on a wheelchair after having been shot in one of his legs during the attempt on the jeweller, Michael Mizzi, on December 3.

Mr Debono also admitted having hit Mr Mizzi on the head with a wheel brace, slightly injuring him, threatening him and holding him against his will.

He pleaded not guilty to stealing a car and stealing a number plate, making use of forged documents, making false declarations, illegal association to commit a crime and and violating the conditions of a previous sentence.

No request for bail was made.

Debono had been granted bail after his arraignment in the wake of the HSBC attempted hold-up. The charges included the attempted murder of two police officers who foiled the crime. Debono, 33, had alleged been hit by a bullet in his jaw. He was arrested in a doctor's clinic.

In that case, lawyer David Gatt was among the defence team who argued for his release on bail. Dr Gatt, a former police inspector, was subsequently also arraigned to face charges for his alleged involvement in the planning of the two crimes.