Sicilian fisherman fined €35,000

The Sicilian fisherman that was remanded in custody last week after pleading not guilty to illegally fishing was yesterday fined €35,000 after plea bargaining.

Defence lawyer Manuel Mallia told the court that a meeting was held last Friday with a lawyer from the Attorney General's Office, Donatella Frendo Dimech, Police Inspector James Grech, the Director of Fisheries Anthony Gruppetta and Captain Emmanuel Mallia from the Armed Forces of Malta about the case.

The lengthy meeting led to an agreement whereby it was agreed that if his client decided to plead guilty he would be fined €35,000.

Rosolino Paternostro, 48, was caught by the armed forces illegally trawling in Maltese waters 18 nautical miles off Delimara on June 29.

Captain Etienne Scicluna, from the AFM, testified that on the deck of Mr Paternostro's boat soldiers had found 22 boxes of various types of fresh fish.

Inspector Grech said the fish had been sold for €392 the day after Mr Paternostro was caught.

After Magistrate Lawrence Quintano handed down judgment, the defence team asked the court for their client to be released from custody but the court refused until the money was paid. Dr Mallia then produced a document whereby the Italian Ambassador guaranteed that the money would be paid back. Also, lawyer José Herrera, another member of the defence team, noted that the boat, which would not be leaving Malta, was worth €1 million, so there was definitely money to pay the fine. The magistrate then ordered the release of Mr Paternostro.

The money is expected to be paid this morning.