An elderly fireworks enthusiast, well-versed in the trade, was given a suspended jail term and fined €30,000 for storing detonators, death cords and other materials prohibited by law.
Anthony Cauchi, 72, from Għarb, landed in hot water when, in February last year, a search by members from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit at the Madonna tail-Virtu fireworks factory yielded unlicensed bullets, detonators, death cords and an air rifle.
Although the man was fully licensed to manufacture fireworks, detonators and cords were prohibited materials under fireworks legislation, a fact which the accused, highly experienced in the trade, knew very well, the court observed.
In a strong appeal to local authorities, magistrate Joseph Mifsud, presiding over criminal proceedings in Gozo, urged those concerned not to drag their feet unnecessarily whilst striving to strike a balance between the various interests at play.
It was necessary for authorities to provide ‘authorised and secure premises’ to house such manufacturing activity, thereby cutting down on clandestine operations, bearing in mind the safety of those who manufactured the materials as well as of those living nearby.
Punishment in such cases was not only to reflect the gravity of the offences involved but also to serve as a deterrent to the accused and all other enthusiasts who were to think twice before undertaking such activities, so dangerous to themselves and to innocent third parties.
On the basis of all evidence produced, the court declared the accused guilty and imposed an 18-month jail term suspended for three years as well as a €30,000 fine. His fireworks licence was to be suspended for two years and the illegal explosives were to be confiscated.
Since the prosecution had failed to prove that the factory belonged to the accused, the court could not order its confiscation. Some €64,000 in cash, found during the inspection, were to be returned to the accused who had supplied a valid explanation dispelling any suspicion as to any criminal origin of such money.
Inspector Bernard Charles Spiteri prosecuted. Carmelo Galea appeared for Mr Cauchi.