Soldier charged with damaging police van after party arrest

A soldier was charged with setting fire to the interior of a police van after he was arrested for smoking in a public place at a party.

Alan Carabott, 27, pleaded not guilty to damaging a police van and smoking at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, in Ta’ Qali on Saturday morning.

Mr Carabott, of Marsaxlokk, was arrested after he was allegedly caught smoking at a party at about 2.35 a.m. He was placed in a police van parked close by but, once inside, he set fire to the seats using his lighter, Police Inspector Robert Vella, prosecuting, told the court yesterday.

The police only realised what happened when they saw smoke coming out of the van and took Mr Carabott out of the vehicle.

When they tried to handcuff him, Mr Carabott resisted and the police had to restrain him, the officer said.

Mr Carabott pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest, threatening police officers and disobeying their orders.

He also pleaded not guilty to committing a crime he was in duty bound to prevent, refusing to give his particulars, breaching the peace and using vulgar language in public.

The prosecuting officer informed the court Mr Carabott had been prescribed anti-depressants.

Mr Carabott was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto was defence counsel.