Swan hunters identified from photographs

A police inspector told the court that confidential information from different sources led the police to the arrest of three hunters who had killed swans at St Thomas Bay, Marsascala last January.

Inspector Alex Miruzzi was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Mario Spagnol, 40, his brother David, 31, and their cousin Jason Spagnol, 23, who stand charged with killing several swans at St Thomas Bay on January 20.

The hunters also stand charged with 13 separate charges ranging from carrying loaded shotguns at St Thomas Bay, where hunting is prohibited, to conspiring to take protected species.

David and Jason Spagnol were charged with hunting from seacraft without a licence while Mario Spagnol also stands charged with relapsing, having been found guilty of hunting in the close season on March 24, 1999.

Insp. Miruzzi told the court he was informed that illegal shooting had taken place at St Thomas Bay.

"I asked the control room to call the Zabbar police station as I thought it was one of the many incidents which are unfortunately reported daily. But some time later, Inspector Morgan Azzopardi called to inform me that some swans had been shot and I instructed the sergeant on duty to go and assist in the search for the culprits," he said.

Insp. Miruzzi said various different sources spoke to him in confidence and two gave him photographs and a series of 18 negatives showing three hunters on a speedboat shooting at the swans and retrieving some of them.

From the photographs, the police identified Jason Spagnol, who was arrested. The other two were identified from the photographs shortly after and were also arrested.

Insp. Miruzzi said that when shown the photographs and other evidence all the accused cooperated with the police and released statements.

Inspector Morgan Azzopardi said investigations indicated that soon after swans landed in the bay, three hunters in a boat circled around them and then drove at high speed in their direction, shooting at them, killing six and recovering three before leaving the bay at speed.

The armed forces of Malta were asked to assist and a patrol boat and a helicopter were deployed but the culprits were not traced on the day. Two hunters were arrested in Marsascala some time later but it resulted they had nothing to do with the case.

The case continues.

Inspectors Alex Miruzzi and Morgan Azzopardi are prosecuting.

Dr Edward Gatt appeared for Mario and David Spagnol while Dr Ian Farrugia appeared for Jason Spagnol.