The owner of a confectionery shop in Marsascala was charged yesterday with selling a bottle of vodka to an underage boy who suffered alcohol poisoning and had to be hospitalised when he drank it all.

Stephan Barbara, 30, from Fgura, pleaded not guilty to selling alcohol to a minor. He also pleaded not guilty to causing the young man serious injuries as a result of his negligence last Sunday.

The court heard the prosecution allege how the young boy ended up in hospital suffering from alcohol poisoning after he drank the entire bottle of vodka he had allegedly purchased from Mr Barbara’s confectionery.

Police Inspector Alexander Grech is prosecuting while Dr Robert Abela is appearing for Mr Barbara.