A hunter accused of shooting a number of storks has been acquitted of shooting the protected animals but found guilty of carrying a shotgun and ammunition during the closed season.

James Magri, 42, had been arraigned in 2018 on charges of killing three storks - a protected species – and hunting violations.

In a decision handed down this morning, magistrate Astrid May Grima cleared the man of shooting the storks after witness evidence proved inconclusive. The onus of proof lies on the person alleging, said the court, quoting jurisprudence on this issue.

Magri, who had released a statement to the police admitting that he had taken his shotgun with him to his field, was convicted of carrying a shotgun and ammunition in the closed season and in a place where they were prohibited.

The court fined Magri €3,500, ordered that the man’s shotgun be seized and suspended his hunting licence for 2 years.

Inspector Colin Sheldon prosecuted. Lawyer Edward Gatt was defence counsel.