Driver of getaway car released on bail

The driver of a vehicle allegedly involved in a violent robbery on an elderly woman in Qormi was granted bail on Wednesday

A man was charged with complicity in a violent robbery after he allegedly drove the getaway car
A man was charged with complicity in a violent robbery after he allegedly drove the getaway car

A thief pretending to be a postman to gain entry into the home of an elderly woman, was granted bail upon his arraignment on Wednesday.

Michael Mifsud, a 53-year old Zebbug jockey, was arrested and charged as an accomplice in the robbery committed in January when the elderly victim had answered her door.

Upon doing so, the woman found three men dressed as postmen who overcame and restrained her. They tied her up before making away with cash and jewelry from her home.

A few weeks later, Mark Anthony Cardona, 41, Ryan Briffa, 28, and Patrick Mangion, 46, were remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to their involvement in the robbery.

Further investigations led the police to zoom in on the fourth suspect, the driver of the getaway van who had been captured on CCTV footage and recovered from the scene of the crime.

The man was arrested and charged in court today, pleading not guilty to complicity in the crime, driving with false number plates and relapsing.

A request for bail was upheld by the court, presided over by magistrate Francesco Depasquale, against a deposit of €5,000, a personal guarantee of €10,000 and an order to sign the bail book twice a day, every day of the week. 

A curfew between 9pm and 5am, was also imposed with the court warning the man to abide by the conditions.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri, Roderick Agius and Lydon Zammit prosecuted.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio was defence counsel.