A fish shop owner and a fisherman this morning pleaded not guilty to conspiring to commit a crime on board a fishing vessel.

Fisherman Sammy Vella, 34, from Marsaxlokk, was charged with failing to notify the authorities on his return to port, trying to sell swordfish which was under the minimum size allowed by law and making a false declaration.

Former footballer Darren Debono, 40, from San Ġwann was charged with assisting Mr Vella try and offload illegally caught tuna.

Both men were granted bail against a personal guarantee of €15,000 each and a deposit of €3,000 each.

Lawyers Giannella de Marco, Michael and Lucio Sciriha appeared for the men. Police Inspector Jurgen Vella prosecuted.

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