Three men forced their way into an elderly man's residence in Mosta by pretending to be workers from a communications company, a court was told on Tuesday.

They bound and slightly injured the 67-year-old but did not steal anything, apparently not having found anything they needed.

The case took place in the early morning of May 22. 

Brady Grixti, 26, an unemployed Valletta resident, Roderick Zahra, a 32-year old security worker from Gżira and Tano Farrugia, a 41-year old Pieta’ resident, pleaded not guilty to forced entry and attempted theft aggravated by violence.

They also denied having unlawfully held their alleged victim against his will, slightly injuring him.

Mr Grixti was separately charged with being a recidivist.

The prosecution objected to bail, pointing out that eyewitnesses, including the alleged victim himself, still have to testify.  

Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace turned down the request for bail.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri and Lydon Zammit prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Joseph Gatt were counsel to Mr Grixti. Lawyer Manuel Mallia was counsel to Mr Zahra. Lawyer Mario Mifsud was counsel to Tano Farrugia.