Two fined €674

Two men were yesterday fined a total of €674 (Lm289.26) after they pleaded guilty to charges of manufacturing and being in possession of explosive material without authorisation.

Joseph Spiteri, 48, of Xagħra, was fined €209 (Lm89.69) after he admitted to being in possession of explosive material without the necessary licence.

Mr Spiteri also admitted to manufacturing fireworks, possessing explosive materials without a licence and allowing his property (a truck) to be used for the illegal manufacturing of fireworks on and before Saturday.

Magistrate Paul Coppini confiscated the vehicle.

In a separate arraignment, 42-year-old Anthony Cassar of Mellieħa was fined €465 (Lm199.57) after he pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Mr Cassar admitted to having been in possession of explosive material, manufacturing fireworks and failing to obtain a licence to handle the explosives in an area known as Ta' Randa limits of Mellieħa.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli took into consideration the fact that the material was stored in a rural area far away from any residential zones. The court was informed that the material found has been handed over to licensed firework manufacturers. Police Inspector Paul Bond led the prosecution against Mr Cassar.

Lawyer Kris Busietta appeared for Mr Cassar.