Four youths who stole a Mercedes car and used it to flee the scene of an arson attack on another vehicle, were granted bail upon their arraignment on Wednesday afternoon.

Joel Falzon, 23, from Safi, siblings Danica and Silvan Cilia, 22 and 20 from Rabat and Paul Farrugia, 28, from Siġġiewi, were arrested after a high-speed car chase by the police, who sped after them after reports of a burning vehicle in Triq Selmun in Mellieha on Monday evening.

Police officers tried to block the Mercedes’ path as it fled the site with the burning vehicle, but the driver somehow managed to slip past, sparking a ‘long car chase’ which ultimately resulted in the arrest of the four suspects.

All four were arraigned on Wednesday afternoon, admitting to some of the charges and pleading not guilty to others, including theft of a vehicle, stolen number plates and reckless driving.

Joel Falzon and Silvan Cilia were separately charged over the arson.

Defence lawyer Joseph Giglio told the court that the Cilia siblings harboured strong feelings towards their estranged mother and her partner.

It was no coincidence, Dr Giglio argued, that both the stolen Mercedes and burnt van belonged to their mother’s partner.

“I wish to make a particular request in respect of the brother and sister Cilia as well as Joel Falzon, Danica’s boyfriend. They need psychological help for great difficulties they are facing on account of their relationship with their mother’s partner.”

“Unless this problem is tackled, these proceedings will serve little use,” Dr Giglio continued, stressing that any appointed expert would need to break down “the barrier.”

The request was upheld by the court, presided over by magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, who issued a temporary supervision order in respect of the three co-accused for the reasons mentioned by Dr Giglio.

A request for bail was upheld in favour of all four of the co-accused against a €1000 deposit each, a personal guarantee of €10,000, an order to sign the bail book daily and a curfew.

Inspectors Arthur Mercieca, Spiridione Zammit and Godwin Scerri prosecuted.

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