Stolen motorbike found in the sea

The stolen motorbike used by the man who shot and wounded businessman Joe Baldacchino on Tuesday was found by the police in Grand Harbour yesterday afternoon.

The Piaggo motorcycle, which had been stolen from Marsa about a month ago, was fished out of the sea below The Great Siege Bell monument in Valletta, police sources told The Times.

It was used as a getaway vehicle by a helmeted motorcyclist who fired a shot at Mr Baldacchino, 51, after he parked his car near Hastings Garden in Valletta.

Seconds before being shot, Mr Baldacchino, who is a father of five, pointed out to his assailant that the bike’s licence plate had fallen off. He was taken to hospital suffering from serious internal injuries and is still in a critical condition.

Over the past two days, investigators have interrogated people involved in legal cases with Mr Baldacchino over property and legal issues. Mr Baldacchino has tens of such cases, forcing him to appear in court regularly and he “predictably” always parked in the same area, police sources said.