Suspended sentence for man who stored too much gunpowder at home

A 46-year-old man was yesterday handed down a suspended jail term after admitting to storing over three kilograms of gunpowder at his home.

Mario Fabri pleaded guilty before Magistrate Antonio Mizzi to storing the explosive material used for shotgun cartridges in St Nicholas Street, Cospicua.

Before handing down judgment, Magistrate Mizzi took into consideration Mr Fabri's clean conduct sheet, his early admission and the fact that the law allowed him to keep not more than 1.5 kilos of the substance. Mr Fabri was given a six-month jail term suspended for one year.

Police Inspector Fabian Fleri prosecuted while lawyer Anġlu Farrugia appeared for the accused.

Police sources told The Times that the gunpowder was discovered when the police went on site to carry out an eviction order.

Gunpowder is not as explosive in nature as other materials used for fireworks, as it is a lot more stable. Mr Fabri was served with an eviction notice a month ago and before the police entered the house on Tuesday, he warned them to be careful because he had explosive material stored on the premises.

The police were assisting enforcement officers acting on behalf of the Department for Social Accommodation.

The Bomb Disposal Unit was called in to assist in the removal and subsequent disposal of the gun powder, the sources added.