Carmel Camilleri, 30, from Zabbar, was charged with arson and damaging property. It is believed that the accused set fire to the mattress in his cell which then spread.

These crimes carry a life sentence, presiding magistrate Miriam Hayman warned the accused when he tried to explain what happened.

“I set a little fire...” he said and was immediately interrupted. “I am not a mental case,” said Camilleri and went on to claim he was only at Mount Carmel because of a drug and alcohol problem. Since he did not speak when asked to enter his plea, his response was registered as not guilty.

Camilleri has been transferred to ward 10, the maximum security section of Mount Carmel hospital.

Inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted while Dr Anthony Cutajar appeared for the accused.