A Siġġiewi farmer was yesterday fined €600 after admitting to the illegal possession of an unlicensed automatic shotgun and verbally threatening two men who owned a field next to his.

Francis Aquilina, 54, admitted threatening George and Christian Borg during an argument that broke out on Thursday evening.

The semi-automatic weapon was found in his car and exhibited in court by Inspector Roderick Agius, along with two penknives that were also found in his possession. Defence counsel Jason Grima argued that the accused is a farmer and used the knives for work.

Mr Aquilina admitted the charges brought against him and was fined €600 by Magistrate Francesco Depasquale, who warned him he was lucky not to be jailed.

Mr Aquilina was also ordered not to speak to the Borgs for three years.

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