Man wanted in US denied bail for now

An Irish businessman wanted by the Southern Californian authorities for allegedly polluting San Diego harbour was denied bail yesterday. Joseph O'Connor's tug boat business in Malta and property he owns in Paola were not enough guarantees for...

An Irish businessman wanted by the Southern Californian authorities for allegedly polluting San Diego harbour was denied bail yesterday.

Joseph O'Connor's tug boat business in Malta and property he owns in Paola were not enough guarantees for Magistrate Miriam Hayman to grant him bail as the fear he might leave the island was too great.

The prosecution, led by lawyer Elaine Rizzo from the Attorney General's Office, argued on Thursday that he should be denied bail as he was facing 33 years in prison if found guilty of polluting the bay and other charges of fraud and making false statements.

Defence lawyers Joseph Giglio, Stephen Tonna Lowell and Patrick Valentino countered that their client's ties with the island were enough to guarantee that he would make the court appearances and remain in Malta.

The court considered both arguments and denied bail for the time being.

Police Inspectors Alexander Miruzzi and Chris Galea Scanura also prosecuted.

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