Man recounts confectionery hold-up

A man explained in court yesterday how a thief walked into his confectionery, pointed a gun at him and pulled the trigger... but the weapon did not go off.

Timothy Konwuru was testifying in the case of Martin Cassar, 24, of St Venera and George Degabriele, 23, of Cospicua who were charged by Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi with committing an armed hold up at Hudson Confectionery on March 5.

The two also stand charged with stealing over Lm1,000 worth of phone cards and top-up vouchers to the detriment of Marisa and Timothy Konwuru.

They are also charged with holding the couple against their will, having an unlicensed weapon and using a firearm in an inhabited area.

Degabriele stands charged with stealing a car and with driving a car without a licence and insurance cover.

Timothy Konwuru yesterday testified before Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima how he saw a man entering his shop and point a revolver at him demanding the phone cards.

He said he hesitated and saw the man pulling the trigger but the pistol failed to go off. He then saw the thief raise his gun to the ceiling and fire a shot. He handed the cards to him at this point and when the thief ran out of the shop, he gave chase and the thief turned and shot twice at him.

Konwuru said he saw the man go into a car which sped off.

The court ruled there were enough reasons to indict the accused.

Dr Josè Herrera and Dr Roberto Montalto are appearing for Degabriele and Dr Franco Debono is appearing for Cassar.