Property speculator Mark Gaffarena was this morning fined €500 for failing to return his carnet de chasse, a booklet in which hunters record their catches, and neglecting to pay the administrative fine. 

The booklet is used to establish parameters for the spring hunting season nad is collected at the end of each season.

Inspector Jurgen Briffa accused Mr Gaffarena of not having returned the booklet as well as not having paid the associated fine.

The defence argued that Mr Gaffarena had called at the wild birds regulation unit office in person to hand in the booklet after the deadline had lapsed. 

It is not known whether Mr Gaffarena’s hunting licence is affected.