A magistrate expressed concern about the increase in the use of unlicensed firearms while hearing the case of a man who is accused of firing a shot at the door of an elderly woman’s residence in Paola.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud was presiding over the arraignment of a car wash employee, Melvin Debono, 26, from Paola.

The incident happened on 19 November, in Luqa Road, Paola.

Police inspector Chantelle Casha told the court that the woman heard a loud bang at around 4.50pm but discovered the hole in the door the following day when a nurse visited her home.

The police subsequently found a bullet case. The motive for the shooting was not known. 

Debono, who was out on bail over a separate court case related to drugs, was remanded in custody by Magistrate Mifsud.

The accused was traced by CCTV footage which showed somebody firing from the driving seat of a white Mercedes. The vehicle was registered in the name of the defendant's father, who does not have a driving licence.

Debono was also accused of being in possession and carrying an unlicensed firearm, reckless driving and causing between €250 and €2,500 in damages to a third party.

 

Magistrate Joe Mifsud denied the bail request.