A man who stands charged with letting off carnival fireworks from the Grand Master’s palace without holding a license told the police that he was acting under instructions by event organiser Pierre Cachia.
Mr Cachia, a former One TV floor manager who was recently in the news over the number of government contracts he was awarded, is expected to be charged separately in the coming days.
23-year-old Nexos lighting technician Juan Vella, from Fgura, received slight burns to the face as he let off a number of fireworks from the palace roof on 7 February, as the carnival celebrations were coming to a close.
A court heard today how the fireworks were covered by a permit but, according to the law, they also had to be let off by a license holder. A certain Bernard Cauchi was the registered licensee but he was not present when the fireworks were let off.
Police Sergeant Alexander Schembri said he was informed by the palace guards that they were aware of the fireworks display but were not given the names of those involved. “Mr Vella told us that he was practically forced to go up to the roof and light the fuse,” the sergeant said.
Inspector Daryl Borg, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Cachia would also be arraigned in connection with the case.
Mr Cachia was also summoned to testify although he was warned that anything he said could be used as evidence against him. He described himself as a coordinator. Mr Cachia said he was not personally involved with the fireworks, telling the court that he coordinated the services offered by a number of contractors. He said there was a person in charge of the fireworks and that he ensured that everything was covered by a permit.
He said that he and Mr Vella had gone up to the roof but they split up and Cachia went to the far side to take pictures. The witness denied telling Mr Vella to let off the fireworks. “It was not my job to give instructions.” He did not say why Mr Vella was needed on the palace roof and said he had only provided him access.
Mr Cachia said he believed that Mr Vella lit the fuse but did not actually see him do it.
Jason Busuttil, chairman of the carnival committee, said a number of contractors were engaged but he was not directly involved in what they were doing. He said he did not witness the accident, adding that several people were working on the roof. “I did not give any instructions related to the fireworks. That is Bernard Cauchi’s responsibility.”
Mr Cauchi, who will also face prosecution, chose not to testify.
The case continues on 13 June. Legal Procurator Peter Paul Zammit appeared for Mr Vella.