A technician who allegedly called a hunter and told him where he would find a protected bird was charged in court yesterday.

Joseph Camilleri, 55, of Żebbuġ pleaded not guilty to assisting Lee Grima, 24, to shoot a black-winged stilt on Monday at around 12.30pm in Qajjenza, limits of Birżebbuġa.

On Tuesday, Mr Grima, also of Żebbuġ, pleaded guilty to killing the bird and carrying a loaded shotgun during the closed season and in an area where hunting was not permitted.

He was jailed for three months, suspended for a year, and fined €1,000. His hunting licence was suspended for two years and his gun confiscated.

Before Magistrate Charmaine Galea, Mr Camilleri yesterday denied conspiring to illegally shoot down a protected bird. He also denied relapsing.

The court heard that Mr Camilleri told Mr Grima about the location of the bird when he called him.

Magistrate Galea accepted a request for bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €3,000.

Police Inspector Jurgen Vella prosecuted and lawyer Joseph Sammut appeared for Mr Camilleri.

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