Fined for fireworks factory death

The owner of an unlicensed fireworks' factory was yesterday fined Lm5,000 for involuntarily causing the death of a 55-year-old man who died in an explosion at the factory three years ago.

Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona found Benjamin Farrugia, 56, of Mqabba guilty of the manslaughter of Godwin Debono on April 24, 2003.

Mr Farrugia was also found guilty of failing to obtain a licence for the manufacture of fireworks in the factory situated in a spent quarry in the limits of Ta' Kandja.

Mr Debono, a father of three, died in an explosion at the factory at about 12.45 p.m.

Police Inspector Joseph Agius prosecuted.