76-year-old would-be bank robber charged

Mystery still surrounds the motive behind a pensioner’s dismal attempt at robbing a bank, as the elderly would-be bandit was charged in court today.

Inspectors Mario Xiberras and Trevor Micallef arraigned Grezzju Piscopo, 76, of Zejtun on charges of attempted armed robbery at the Zejtun branch of HSBC.

Piscopo, wearing a set of tights on his head and brandishing a pistol-shaped lighter had tried to hold up the bank on April 3. He was identified from the bank’s own CCTV as the hapless robber put on his disguise outside the bank’s front door.

The 76-year-old bankrobber pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted armed robbery and illegal arrest.

Defence lawyers Kathleen Calleja Grima and Andrew Cauchi asked for bail.

The accused is a pensioner but has three children prepared to pay bail bond, she said. The defence requested a temporary supervision order if bail is granted.

The prosecution objected to his release as witnesses were yet to testify.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo granted the man bail against a deposit of €750 and personal guarantee of €9,000.

Mario Xiberras and Trevor Micallef prosecuted.

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