A man today admitted filing a false police report accusing a neighbour of torturing Star, a dog shot and buried alive some days ago, out of spite.

The man, Carmel Sacco, 45, of Kirkop, was granted bail until a pre-sentencing inquiry report is drawn up.

Carmel Sacco also admitted to being a relapser.

Mr Sacco and Alfred Vella own adjacent fields and have long standing arguments involving Mepa permits.

When the Star incident happened, Mr Sacco called the police falsely accusing Mr Vella of the crime using a mobile phone.

He then sent a letter to the Animal Welfare Department but when the police called to investigate he admitted he had acted out of spite.

The case was postponed to June 30 for a pre-sentencing inquiry report.

In the meantime, Mr Sacco was granted bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €3,000. He has also been prohibited from going to Birzebbuga.

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