Two men have been acquitted of attempting to set a house on fire but were found guilty of trespassing on people’s property and stealing two fire extinguishers.

Pawlinu Cutajar, 48, from Safi and Karl Cutajar, 41, from Birzebbuga, were found not guilty of trying to set David Cutajar’s house in Birzebbuga on fire on 1 May 2006. The court heard how David Cutajar lives next door to a bar owned by the accused and they have had problems regarding loud music at the bar.

Pawlinu and Karl Cutajar were found guilty of trespassing on Mr Cutajar’s property and stealing the fire extinguishers.

Magistrate Anthony Vella jailed the men for one year suspended for two years and they were ordered not to speak to Mr Cutajar against a Lm500 fine in default.

Police Inspector Joseph Agius prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono and Dr Jose Herrera appeared for the accused.