A man who was convicted of illegally storing fireworks material in the basement of a band club was jailed for two years today.

Mark Agius, 41, was found guilty by Magistrate Silvio Meli of having kept the fireworks in the basement of the Peace Band Club in Naxxar. Mr Agius is the club administrator.

The material was discovered in a police raid in May 2008. The raid was made a few days after fireworks which were illegally stored in a garage in a residential area in Triq Hal-Dejf, Naxxar, exploded, killing a man who was in the garage, and a young mother who lived in one of three houses that were demolished by the blast.

In his sentence today, Magistrate Meli said the court wanted to send a clear message that it would not tolerate any practices when put the people's safety at risk.

During the proceedings, the court heard that Mr Agius did not hold a licence to manufacture fireworks. He had, for some 10 years, been in possession of the key to a door leading to the basement.

The prosecution said fireworks material was found in the basement, in a small room hidden by a paint cabinet.

The defence said Mr Agius was unaware of the fireworks and he only went down there to switch on an electricity timer. Mr Agius was never involved in fireworks manufacture.

The defence also pointed out that another four people had keys to the basement.

The court in its considerations noted that it was impossible for Mr Agius not to have at least noticed and known about the explosive material.

See also

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081123/local/band-club-remains-in-limbo-after-fireworks-find