Man accused of setting farm door on fire as his friend slept inside
Victim saw Bugeja run away from the fire
A 44-year-old man on Monday pleaded not guilty to setting a farm door on fire while his friend was sleeping inside.
Shawn Bugeja from Kalkara was charged with arson, holding the alleged victim against his will and injuring him in the incident in June.
Police inspector Gabriel Kitcher told the court that the alleged victim, Joseph Bonnett told the police that he was woken up by the smell of fire while he was asleep on the farm in Żabbar.
Bonnett looked out of a window and saw Bugeja running away. He suffered some injuries while trying to put out the fire.
Bugeja and Bonnett are friends, the court heard.
Legal aid lawyer Rachel Tua requested bail but AG lawyer Joseph Camilleri Azarov objected, noting that the proceedings are still at an early stage and the accused is facing serious charges. He added that the alleged victim had not yet testified, and it was not known where the accused would live if granted bail.
The defence countered that the alleged incident took place over a month ago and had the accused intended to tamper with evidence, he could have done so.
After hearing the submissions, the court held that until the alleged victim testified, it would dismiss the bail request. The court also made a recommendation on the defence’s request for the accused to receive the necessary assistance while on remand.
Magistrate Leonard Caruana presided. AG lawyer Joseph Camilleri Azarov prosecuted, assisted by police inspectors Gabriel Kitcher and Karen Cassar. Legal aid lawyer Rachel Tua assisted the accused.