Man accused of trying to set house on fire

A man who tried to set alight wooden shuttering on whichconcrete was to be laid told the police he regretted he had not managed to cause the damage he had in mind, a police officer told the court.

Testifying in a case against Joseph Spiteri, 66 of Rabat, who stands accused of trying to set fire to a building, sergeant Anthony Portelli said the accused had also thrown a pot and a chair at his neighbour George Micallef, whose building he tried to set ablaze.

Sgt Portelli said the fire was extinguished by Mr Micallef who was assisted by the son of the accused. The accused and Mr Micallef had been involved in an argument over an extension to a building the latter was in the process of building.

Sgt Portelli said that on receiving a report that there was a fire in Mr Micallef's house, he went on site and found what appeared to be a molten plastic container and bits of partly burnt pieces of fabric. There was also a strong smell of fuel. A neighbour had informed the police she had earlier seen the accused holding a jerry can with fuel.

The case continues. Police Inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted. Lawyer Daniela Mangion appeared for the accused.