A next-door neighbour was yesterday accused of sending a hoax text message, saying there was a bomb at the Labour Party headquarters in Ħamrun.

Jacqueline Calleja, 44, was also charged with sending text messages insulting various people linked to the PL, including MP José Herrera and election candidate Joe Cilia.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard defence lawyer Henry Antoncic say that her actions stemmed from the fact that for some unknown reason she was annoyed by the party.

Ms Calleja pleaded not guilty to sending an SMS to Police Superintendent Carmelo Magri on Saturday saying that the PL headquarters and neighbouring buildings were about to blow up.

She was also accused of filing a false police report by sending the text message, of texting PL security guard Emanuel Rocco threatening to kill him and his family and of sending another eight messages insulting other people involved with the PL.

She was remanded inpolice custody.

Police Inspector Robert Vella prosecuted.

Lawyer Veronique Dalli represented the victims.

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