Cassar Ship Repair chairman Anthony Cassar and a director at the land department, Albert Mamo, were yesterday charged over the illegal dumping of 25,000 tons of grit waste.

The charge against Mr Mamo, however, is expected to be dropped after his lawyer said his client had nothing to do with the case.

Mr Cassar did not attend the sitting as he had not been notified, the court heard.

The charge of illegal dumping refers to an incident on October 24, 2011, when grit waste from the dockyard was found on Dock Road, in Għajn Dwieli, Paola. Cassar Ship Repair had won a tender to operate part of the dockyard.

Mr Cassar is one of seven people to have recently been charged over the oil procurement scandal – he is pleading not guilty to bribery, taking a private interest in the adjudication of tenders and money laundering.

During the short sitting, lawyer Stefano Filletti, appearing for Mr Mamo, said there was no reason why his client should be charged when he had nothing to do with the case.

Albert Zerafa, who appeared on behalf of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, said that while the charges were expected to be dropped against Mr Mamo they would be confirmed against Mr Cassar.

Magistrate Anthony Vella deferred the case so that the planning authority could regularise the position.

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