Two charged over hotel hold-up

Two men were arraigned in court yesterday accused of a hold-up at the Sorredo Hotel in St Paul's Bay on Thursday.

Alistair Camilleri, 25, of Marsa and Matthew Vassallo, 19, of Cospicua, were accused before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera with using violence to steal some Lm100 from the hotel to the detriment of Alfred Fenech. They pleaded not guilty.

They were accused of holding hotel employees Joseph Farrugia and Paul Mamo against their will and of being in possession of a firearm or an imitation.

The two were also accused of stealing gold and firearms from Gold Finch in Qormi to the detriment of George Falzon on Christmas Eve and planning a theft from Jessie's Bar in St Andrew's between Friday and Saturday. They were also accused of being in possession of a shotgun and ammunition without a licence. Mr Camilleri was further accused of being in possession of tools used for break-ins and with being a relapser.

Mr Vassallo was accused of careless driving and of ignoring traffic lights.

They pleaded not guilty and were refused bail.

Jose Herrera and Joe Giglio appeared for Mr Vassallo. Manuel Mallia appeared for Mr Camilleri.

Inspectors Silvio Valletta and Anthony Agius prosecuted.