Man jailed three years over botched hold-up

A man who admitted to his participation in a botched hold-up on a Valletta jeweller was today jailed for three years. Michael Zahra, 42, of Valletta, had been accused of the attempted robbery from Frank Zampa Jewellery in St Lucia Street, Valletta, which took place on September 18, 2010. Francesco Zampa, a former top waterpolo player, fought off the three robbers and was injured in the scuffle when a bullet grazed his cheek after a revolver went off at close range. At one point after sentencing this morning, Magistrate Carol Peralta asked Mr Zahra what he was doing with his life and whether he was still addicted to drugs. Mr Zahra said he was 'clean' for the past 18 months and he was tested every week. He said he had spent the last three-and-a-half years in jail (on other theft-related cases) and he has another two years to go, apart from this case. Another case is still pending in court. He lamented how life in prison has stopped him from seeing his children grow up. Marcus Calleja has already been jailed three years over the same case, while proceedings are pending against Jason Galea, who is pleading not guilty. This morning Mr Galea requested the court to put off his case...