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.

Comments

Claudio Camilleri (on 26/3/08)

I am currently in the USA and you are fined USD 2,000 if you litter in the highway. Low fines like these will never make anyone learn from other people's mistakes. This applies for many other offences in our country.

Andrew Gatt (on 25/3/08)

Sorry Louis, the maximum penalty for hunting offences is Lm6,000 and up to 2 years IN JAIL. You'd be better off pushing drugs!!! And please, the fact they were in a rural area has absolutely no relevance. Ever heard of farmers, hunters, picnickers, ramblers and families out for the day??????? All at risk. I'm sure the dead guy in Naxxar had no intention of harming anyone deliberately...............but look at the result.

Kevin Zammit (on 25/3/08)

It cost the taxpayer much more than that fine for police time and the court case itself!

louis borg (on 25/3/08)

not that i want to defend illegal fireworks but i am sure that the culprits had no intention to harm civilians and they were in a rural area but to deliberate shoot a international protected bird just for fun deseverse a harsher fine than lm 700 infact a 1 yesr prison sentence will be more fair

Victor Vella (on 25/3/08)

It is incredible shooting on a protected bird you can be fine Lm700. Killing innocent people by keeping explosive under your kids bed you are only fined Lm89.69c

Jeremyb J Camilleri (on 25/3/08)

Politicians need to stop talking and start acting!
This country needs proper legislation! I mean, we jail drug users who are only inflicting self harm, and yet, someone who can potentially finish off a whole family is fined! Incredible!!!

CHARLES ABELA (on 25/3/08)

I appreciate that the fines metted out are the most the law can allow..now it's up to Parlament to upgrade the current law...Digging deep into pockets of those charged with similar charges..would work miracles.

G.Briffa (on 25/3/08)

I'm really impressed with the fine!!