A Naxxar man and two builders he engaged to carry out work at his home were yesterday charged with digging an illegal borehole.

Tyrone Dyer, 55, Albert Gauci, 33, from Rabat and 32-year-old Joseph Frendo, also from Naxxar, pleaded guilty to digging an illegal borehole that tapped into the water table on 8 September 2004. They were also charged with tampering with natural resources without the authorisation of the Malta Resources Authority.

Gauci alone was accused of relapsing in view of previous convictions. Police inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted while Dr Chris Soler appeared for the accused.