Updated with arraignment details 1.45pm

A suspected arsonist was remanded in custody upon arraignment on Wednesday after being tracked down as the person seen on footage wearing a distinctive headband torch at the site where a BMW was set on fire.

Jonathan Zammit, 37 of Mosta, pleaded not guilty to wilfully setting fire to the car and also wilfully damaging another two vehicles.

He also denied breaching bail conditions amd recidivism.

The incident took place in Guze’ Duca Street, Qormi in the early hours of March 20.

Prosecuting Inspector Mario Xiberras said CCTV footage was collected from the area and the police also received confidential information about the suspect who appeared to be living at the Marsa stables.

The suspected arsonist was seen in the footage wearing slippers, jacket and a headband torch.

The police searched his living quarters and found the slippers, jacket and torch seen in that footage, as well as two bottles of fuel.

When arrested and interrogated, the man denied any wrongdoing.

His lawyer, Alessandro Lia, did not request bail at this stage.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella upheld a request by the prosecution to issue a protection order barring the accused from approaching the alleged victims.

The man was remanded in custody.

AG lawyers Daniel Tabone and Joseph Camilleri Azarov prosecuted, together with Inspectors Mario Xiberras and James Mallia.

Lawyer Alessandro Lia was defence counsel.