Charged with manslaughter

The owner of a St Paul's Bay construction site and two employees of the company contracted to carry out building works were yesterday charged with involuntarily causing the death of two women when an apartment block adjacent to the site collapsed last year.

Paul Demicoli, 47, of Birkirkara as the owner of the property, Paul Magro, 30, of Qrendi as the director and employee of Alsfaltar Ltd, and Kevin Bonnici, 29, of Birzebbuga, another employee, were charged with the manslaughter of Maria Dolores Zarb and Nadezda Vavilova on June 3, 2004.

They were further charged with causing the women's death through negligence, lack of professionalism and by failing to observe regulations and failing to safeguarded people's safety.

Mr Demicoli and Mr Magro were also charged with failing to evaluate health and safety risks on the construction site.

The three men pleaded not guilty to all charges and were granted bail against a Lm400 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm2,000 each.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera presided over the case.

Police Inspectors Joseph Mercieca and Josric Mifsud prosecuted with the assistance of David Saliba, from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.