In his final submissions before Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono, Dr Mallia said the prosecution had not proved beyond reasonable doubt that it was Saviour Bugeja, his client, who had set fire to a door of a house in Marsaxlokk.

Mr Bugeja, 47, from Zejtun, is charged with setting fire to the front door of Joseph Gafa’s house in Triq il-Kajjikk in Marsaxlokk on 28 March 2000. Mr Gafa was the defendant’s boss at the Malta Drydocks and the two were not on very good terms.

Mr Bugeja is also charged with endangering the lives of Mr Gafa’s neighbours who were inside their houses next door. He is also charged with damaging Mr Gafa’s property.

Dr Mallia said that on the one hand the police believe the defendant is so intelligent that he wore socks over his shoes to make sure he is not caught. On the other hand, the police are saying that the accused left a pair of shoes, which according to them were stinking of fuel, in an orderly fashion as soon as you enter his garage.

Moreover, he said, his client told police whatever they needed to know and they gave them all the explanations they demanded. He told them where he was and what he was doing, he said.

On the part of the bill of indictment which claimed that Mr Bugeja’s car still had a hot engine, Dr Mallia said there was no technical explanation on this and on details like for what length of time before the car was used. He said the car in question is the only family car and everyone used to make use of it.

The trial is nearing its end with the prosecution’s submissions and the defence counter submissions left to go. It will most probably come to an end today.

Dr Giannella Caruana Curran and Dr Manuel Mallia are appearing for the accused.

Earlier in yesterday’s setting, Mr Justice Galea Debono handed down a ruling against the defendant’s brother, Carmelo Bugeja, who was heard passing comments about the judge outside the courtroom. Mr Justice Galea Debono, who was informed about the case, ordered the police to take action against the man and also ordered that he is prohibited from entering the Law Courts.

Later on, before magistrate Dennis Montebello, the police charged Mr Bugeja with offending Mr Justice Galea Debono. It is being alleged that the man said “nitla’ ghalih” (I’ll go get him), as soon as he left the courtroom. The man pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm150. Police inspector Ramon Mercieca prosecuted while Dr Toni Abela appeared for the defendant.