Fined for selling fireworks

A pyrotechnics importer was yesterday fined Lm50 after he pleaded guilty to selling fireworks when he was not licensed to do so.

Raymond Mamo, 43, of Balzan, was accused of storing pyrotechnics for sale without a licence.

Defence lawyer Martin Fenech said that though his client was pleading guilty, he was licensed to import fireworks.

Mr Mamo, the lawyer said, had been caught "in the blitz the police were carrying out against illegal fireworks but the difference was that Mr Mamo was not a producer but imported fireworks and fire crackers used in parties".

The police confiscated a number of whistle crackers and other fireworks known as gassijiet and stoppini.

The court, presided by Magistrate Michael Mallia, ordered the destruction of the fireworks.

Inspector Jesmond J. Borg prosecuted.