Sports: [DucatiST] Will not run up. Help needed Please

ST4s 2002.

Bikes been running fine been several runs of 200miles,
Time to go for its MOT (road Safety test).
Starts fine out of my garage run nicely down to the where it's going to be tested. 4mile

At end of test the engineer tried to start the engine it turned over ok but didn't fire.
He tried several times.
Then I remember he had had the key in all the time testing lights etc.
Removed ignition key, waited a minute put it back in then tried to start the engine.

On the first press of starter button engine turned over then fired for about 4cycles then cut out.
Successive retries with starter only turned over the engine with out it firing.
Switch off ignition removed key waited a couple of minutes and retried as before that is
Engine turned over then fired for 3-4 cycles then cut out. And would then turn over but not fire at all. Until it was switched off for a few minutes.
These starts were done with the fast idle/cold start lever set mostly mid way but did try with it in all positions
Bleeping the throttle had no effect the engine it just stopped after its 3-4 cycles.
This pattern repeated a number of times decided to put battery on charge for a bit 1/2hr.
Tried again the same pattern.
The fuel pump runs up when the ignition key is turned on. The battery is under a year old. All joints etc., were checked and cleaned before winter lay up.
Tried with battery coupled to a car battery. The same pattern.
The bikes been left in the dealers over night and I have removed the battery to charge it.
Will try to start with hopefully a fully charged battery in morning, but have a feeling that the battery may not be the problem. As once the engine fires it should keep running?

Any help or ideas would be most welcome

Bill