Magistrate concerned by increase in unlicensed weapons
A magistrate has expressed concern about the dangers posed to society by an increase in the use of unlicensed firearms. as well as the practice of registering vehicles on third parties rather than the driver’s name.
Magistrate Joe Mifsud made his remarks during the arraignment of a car wash employee who was accused of firing a shot which left a gaping hole in the door of an elderly woman’s residence. The incident happened on the afternoon of November 19, in Luqa Road, Paola, but the woman only discovered what happened the following morning.
Melvin Debono, 26, from Paola, who is on bail over a separate court case related to drugs, denied all charges. He was remanded in custody.
Police inspector Chantelle Casha told the court that on November 19 the woman heard a loud bang at around 4.50pm but only discovered what had caused it on the following day when a nurse visited her home and noticed a hole in the main door.
The police subsequently found a bullet case. The motive for the shooting was not known.
The accused was traced on the strength of CCTV footage which showed somebody firing from the driving seat a white Mercedes.
Although the vehicle was registered in the name of the...