A Gozitan hunter has been fined €2,000 and had his licence suspended after he was caught with some 100 rounds of shotgun ammunition in his car almost two hours after the hunting session had closed for the day.

Anthony Camilleri, 56, from Hal Luqa, Gozo, was charged of having on 20 April been in possession of ammunition after hunting hours and breaching the conditions of his hunting licence. 

The court heard how ALE had stopped Mr Camilleri while out on patrol at Wied il-Mielah. The shotgun shells were found in a box in Mr Camilleri’s car. This happened at 13.45 – when the hunting hours were from two hours before sunrise until noon. The man was not carrying his shotgun at the time.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud said this was a technical offence – the man was not being charged with hunting illegally but with carrying ammunition outside of hunting hours, which was prohibited. The law states that: “no person shall during the closed season for the hunting of birds not at sea, hunt, or attempt to hunt any bird, or carry ammunition or a fire arm outside its case.”

The court also noted that one hundred shells were a considerable amount, considering the bag limit.

Magistrate Mifsud said the limited spring hunting season had to be subject to strict enforcement so that no one abused of this concession. The court said it was making it clear that it would not tolerate any illegalities or breach of regulations.

Mr Camilleri was found guilty of the charges and was fined €2,000. His hunting and weapons licences were also revoked for two years. The cartridges were confiscated.

Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted. Lawyer Anthony Stellini appeared for the accused.