The hunter (pictured on right) who allegedly injured a Dutch boy in Pembroke yesterday with a lead shot was charged this morning with negligence, endangering a person’s life without the intent to kill, and threatening the boy.

He was released on bail against a deposit of 300 euros and a personal guarantee of 1,000 euros.

David Galea, 33, of Gzira pleaded not guilty to the charges. The boy – Mark van Leeuwen - is believed to have left Malta today.

The prosecution explained that the suspect was arrested this morning by ALE officers after the boy handed an image of the hunter to the police. He said the hunter is believed to have slapped the boy in the face and threatened the boy. The boy was injured as a result of a lead shot.

The court ordered the man to sign at the Birkirkara police station until the case is heard. He was asked to deposit his passport and ID card at the courts and cannot leave the islands for the time-being.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the case. Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted. Dr Yana Camilleri defended the accused.

This is the third hunter who has been charged ever since the hunting season opened last week following a Yes vote in the spring hunting referendum.

Earlier

The hunter’s arraignment came after the 16-year-old boy suffered slight injuries yesterday as a result of the hunter’s shot.

The incident occurred early in the morning in the limits of Pembroke, where the young man was bird-watching along with some of his friends.

He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified to be suffering from slight injuries in his leg caused by lead shot.