A man yesterday called on the court to order the Customs Comptroller to compensate him for a Ford Transit, a speedboat and a trailer which have been seized for over 13 years in connection with criminal charges on which he had been cleared.

Mark Micallef filed an application in the Civil Court against the Customs Comptroller. He explained that on 8 April 1993, the Customs Comptroller seized a Ford Transit, a Rinkler Captiva 186 speedboat and its trailer. On 21 April that year, the police instituted criminal proceedings against him in which it was alleged that the seized objects had been stolen and were found in his possession.

He continued to explain that on 17 February 2000 he was cleared of all the charges brought against him. This was confirmed by an Appeals Court 10 days later. On 29 January 2003, the Customs Comptroller was ordered to release the seized items but this had not happened.

Mr Micallef said that the van and the speedboat have been under lock and key for more than 13 years and have suffered irreparable damage, apart from the depreciation of the items.

On 3 February this year, Mr Micallef sent an official letter requesting compensation but the Customs Comptroller did not even reply, he claimed.

He therefore called on the court to liquidate the damages he suffered and order the Customs Comptroller to compensate him for the damages he has sustained and court expenses he has incurred.

Dr Chris Cilia signed the application.