A man, who first arrived in Malta illegally in March 2005 and who was deported in November, was yesterday charged with returning to Malta and bringing along with him another 24 irregular immigrants.

Tunisian national Mousa Negi, 32, pleaded not guilty to organising a trip for irregular immigrants to enter Malta illegally as well as conspiring to traffic people.

Police inspector Edel Mary Camilleri told the court that the defendant had already entered Malta illegally on 22 March 2005. She said that after his request for humanitarian status was turned down, Negi was deported.

She said that on 21 May, Negi returned to Malta on a boat with another 24 irregular immigrants on board. She said these people said the defendant was the person who organised the voyage.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard Negi plead not guilty to the charges brought against him. He turned down his request for bail and the man was remanded in custody.

Police inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted while Dr Richard Sladden represented the man.