A father and son have jointly filed an official letter before the civil courts demanding €26,000 by way of compensation from Enemalta Corporation after a family property was gutted by a fire which was allegedly sparked by a defective electricity meter.

Augustine Bonnici, 62, and his son Roderick, 32, from Iklin, filed the letter before the First Hall, Civil Court against Enemalta Corporation, the Police Commissioner, the Attorney General, the Registrar of the Criminal court and the Magistrates' courts, the Justice Minister as well as ARMS Ltd.

They explained how on October 5, 2016 at around 1.30pm a fire allegedly broke out in their garage in Iklin. At the time Mr Bonnici senior was having his siesta when he was alerted by a neighbour that smoke was coming out of the garage which at the time was closed.

The property in question, which belonged to the father, had been utilized by Roderick Bonnici to carry out mechanical services after work.

The fire caused structural damage and destroyed a friend's car, motorbike and tools. 

A court appointed expert who had conducted an onsite inquiry had concluded that the fire was sparked off by a faulty electricity meter. 

The plaintiffs therefore requested compensation for the damages incurred on account of the fire, also bearing in mind the loss of use of their property. 

Lawyer Emmy Bezzina filed the official letter.