Another arraignment over fireworks

A 38-year-old man yesterday pleaded not guilty to storing and manufacturing fireworks in his residence in St Mary Street, Naxxar.

Daniel Xerri pleaded not guilty to storing explosive materials and manufacturing fireworks at his residence on and before March 13. Magistrate Michael Mallia heard defence lawyer Reno Borg explain to the court how the explosive material belonged to Mr Xerri's father, who had since passed away.

He added that the materials were to be thrown away.

After considering the case Magistrate Mallia granted Mr Xerri bail against a deposit of €500 (Lm214.59) and a personal guarantee of €5,000 (Lm2,145.92).

Police Inspectors Elton Taliana and Nikolai Sant prosecuted. Lawyer Reno Borg appeared for Mr Xerri. This is the fourth arraignment of this nature in under a week after a deadly explosion in a different street in Naxxar killed Paul Camilleri, suspected of manufacturing fireworks in his garage, and mother-of-two Sina Sammut.