A notary, charged with the possession of a pistol at the airport, told the police a man had threatened to kill him, a court heard yesterday.

Police Inspector Silvio Valletta told Magistrate Antonio Mizzi how in October 2004 Notary Mark Anthony Sammut filed a police report claiming that a certain Noel Xuereb had phoned to threaten him.

The police spoke to Mr Xuereb who admitted to calling the notary, as they had problems over a contract, but denied threatening him.

The police told Mr Xuereb not to speak to Dr Sammut unless in the presence of a lawyer.

Then, Inspector Valletta continued, in January this year Dr Sammut told the police Mr Xuereb had threatened him when they met in the presence of a lawyer.

Mr Xuereb denied the allegations and lawyer José Herrera, who was present during the meeting, said that as far as he recalled there had been no threats.

On answering a question by lawyer Emmanuel Mallia, for the accused, the inspector said Dr Sammut reported that Mr Xuereb had told him he was related to Lippu l-Boxer and had threatened to take his (Dr Sammut's) life.

The inspector also explained that in April Mr Xuereb had been charged with threatening Dr Sammut but was cleared when Dr Sammut, who was the injured party, did not turn up in court.

The prosecution then declared it had no more evidence at this stage in the case against Dr Sammut, 31, of Sliema who is pleading not guilty to the unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition in a restricted area of Malta International Airport on April 23.

Magistrate Mizzi ruled there were sufficient reasons for Dr Sammut's indictment.

The magistrate also upheld Dr Sammut's application to travel abroad for a close friend's wedding and a conference. He was ordered to deposit Lm500 in court which he could withdraw after the second trip.