A man was yesterday charged with cultivating eight cannabis plants in his garden at his house in Cospicua.

Louis Lia, 37, who said he owns a bar in Cospicua, was charged with cultivating cannabis plants, possessing cannabis which was found in circumstances denoting it was not for his personal use and committing the said crime within a distance of 100 metres from a youth centre or a venue frequented by youths.

Before magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, Mr Lia pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm500.

Police Inspectors Norbert Ciappara and Alex Grech prosecuted while Dr Kris Busietta and Dr Jason Azzopardi appeared for the accused.