Valentino Azzopardi, 75, from Balzan was charged with allowing Mr Cutajar to work in the St Gabriel’s Fireworks Factory in Balzan on 28 April 2002 when he knew that Mr Cutajar did not have a licence issued by the Police Commissioner to do so.

Police inspector Kevin Farrugia, who led the prosecution, took the witness stand to explain that on 28 April 2002, while Mr Cutajar was working on pyrotechnic products, chemicals reacted and a fire broke out. A man who was close by used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames and Mr Cutajar was rushed to hospital in a private car. He suffered burns to 50 per cent of his body and finally succumbed to his injuries on 7 May.

Inspector Farrugia said investigations revealed that the factory was licensed to the defendant, adding that the victim did not have a licence to manufacture or handle pyrotechnic products.

The case continues. Dr Martin Fenech appeared for the defendant.