Updated 1 June - FKNK say it's two weights, two measures

A hunter has been fined €2,000 and slapped with a two-year hunting ban after being found in possession of a "considerable number" of hunting shotgun cartridges in his car at Wied iI-Mielah Gozo, last month. 

Anthony Camilleri, 53, was arrested by the officers of the Administrative Law Enforcement Unit on April 20 at about 1.45pm near Gordan Lighthouse. The police found 100 shotgun cartridges in his car, but no hunting rifle was found.

The court heard that the discovery was was made during this year's two-week hunting season, but outside the permitted hours as the discovery was made after midday.

In its decision the Gozo Court presided by Magistrate Joe Mifsud argued that being in possession of the cartridges did not necessarily imply that the defendant was hunting outside the hours permitted by law. On the other hand, it pointed out that the number of shotgun shells found was a considerable quantity, when compared with the daily bag limit of two birds. 

"When considering these facts, the only reasonable explanation would be that the defendant had a very bad aim and so would need a huge number of cartridges to hit his target. Nevertheless the court is not equipped to test if the defendant had a good aim to compete in a clay pigeon competition," the court said.

The magistrate pointed out that such case had to do with a "technical offence" whereby there was no need to prove intent to illegal hunting. The simple possession and carrying of munition outside the permitted hours constituted a criminal offence, he said.

The spring hunting season for turtle dove and quail should be strictly enforced, so as to prevent anyone from abusing from this concession, the court added.

For this reason, the man was fined €2,000 and slapped with a two-year hunting ban. Furthermore the court ordered the confiscation of the cartridges.

Police inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted.