Police had to tase the man leading to his arrest

A man from Ħal Qormi has pleaded not guilty after he allegedly lured men into his home, assaulted them and then robbed them.

Nathan Magri, unemployed, 25, faces a string of serious charges, including grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and injuring two police officers, after allegedly luring victims through a dating app called Grindr for sexual activity and assaulting, extorting and robbing them.

The court heard that Magri resisted police arrest.

When officers went to arrest him on signing his bail book, he allegedly fled. Police then went to his residence, where his family members refused to open the door.

As officers tried to force their way in, he reportedly climbed to the roof, jumped a good three storeys and fled.

He was eventually arrested later that night after police returned to the residence after he was tased.

He faces additional charges of breaching bail conditions and committing offences during a probation period.

The defence did not request bail.

Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the sitting. The prosecution was led by Inspector James Mallia, while legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera appeared for the accused.