Man sets fire to own house

A man gave a new definition to the term “heated argument” when he set fire to his house during a fight with his wife. Anthony Cilia, 56, from Siġġiewi, admitted in court yesterday to committing arson on May 16, 2008 and was given a suspended jail...

A man gave a new definition to the term “heated argument” when he set fire to his house during a fight with his wife.

Anthony Cilia, 56, from Siġġiewi, admitted in court yesterday to committing arson on May 16, 2008 and was given a suspended jail term.

He said he spread flammable liquid around the house and set fire to the sofa after breaking a number of items including some belonging to his son.

His son and wife managed to run out of the house before the fire started. In all, he caused €780 worth of damage.

Mr Cilia was meant to stand trial by jury but, after he admitted to the charges and plea bargained with the Attorney General, he was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for four.

He was also fined €5,000. Mr Justice Lawrence Quintano took into consideration the circumstances of the case and the man’s clean police record.

Lawyer Emanuel Mallia appeared for Mr Cilia while lawyer Lara Lanfranco from the Attorney Generals Office prosecuted.

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