Police believe drug addict was commissioned to commit arson

A drug addict with psychological problems yesterday denied having set fire to the front door of a family he does not know on Wednesday afternoon in Qormi.

Martin Marco Baldacchino, 35, from Żebbuġ, was caught red handed by Police Constable Alfred Chetcuti throwing a petrol doused t-shirt next to the door. At the time PC Chetcuti was off duty.

When the flames engulfed the wooden door, Mr Baldacchino ran down the road with PC Chetcuti in hot pursuit.

The officer up with him and arrested him.

On his arraignment yesterday, defence lawyer Gavin Gulia said his client needed a proper residential drug rehabilitation programme to combat the seriousness of his addiction. It would also be ideal for him to be given psychological help as he had a number of issues to deal with.

Police Inspectors Anthony Portelli and Alexandra Zammit said Mr Baldacchino had been granted bail three months ago in a case over drug-related charges. He had been given an opportunity to reform but did not take heed, they said.

Furthermore, he did not cooperate with the police and the officers believed he had been commissioned to carry out the arson when there were people inside the house.

Mr Baldacchino pleaded not guilty to setting fire to the door, causing about €2,000 in damage and breaching the conditions of a previous release.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna remanded him in custody and ordered that he be given all the necessary drug rehabilitation treatment with the possibility of being treated at Mount Carmel Hospital too.