Man jailed eight years over violent armed robbery, home invasion
The victim was grievously injured
A 43-year-old man has been handed an eight-year prison sentence following a violent armed robbery and home invasion that left a man with grievous injuries in late 2022.
Viktor Markovic, a Serbian national, appeared before the Criminal Court on June 24.
The court heard how Markovic, alongside other co-accused individuals, orchestrated an aggravated burglary at a residence in Victoria Mansions, Pjazza Toni Bajada, in Naxxar.
Armed and masked, Markovic illegally detained the house owner against his will.
The court found that Markovic subjected the victim to grievous bodily harm that carried the risk of permanent debility or loss of bodily function.
In addition to the physical assault, Markovic caused between €250 and €2,500 worth of damage to the victim's property and successfully stole items worth more than €2,329.37.
The sentencing follows a joint application for a plea agreement filed by the Attorney General and Markovic's defence lawyers on June 8.
Appearing before Judge Neville Camilleri, Markovic formally registered a guilty plea to six counts.
Markovic was condemned to an effective prison term of eight years.
To ensure the ongoing safety of the victim, the court also imposed a five-year protection order.
Furthermore, Markovic was ordered to pay €4,465.13, which accounts for one-third of the legal and medical expert fees incurred during the proceedings.
Lawyer Noel Bianco appeared for the accused, while Lawyer Maurice Meli represented the victim.