A man from Birkirkara was yesterday placed under house arrest after he pleaded not guilty to the charges of cocaine possession.

Alfred Schembri, 44, was charged with possession of cocaine on Friday and two years before in circumstances indicating that it was not for his own personal use.

Mr Schembri also pleaded not guilty, before presiding magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, to committing the crime within 100 metres of an area frequented by youths.

The court granted Mr Schembri bail and placed him under house arrest against a Lm500 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm500.

In a separate arraignment, Mr Schembri also pleaded not guilty to the charges of possession of a firearm or ammunition without a licence on Friday.

Magistrate Padovani granted him bail on house arrest against a Lm500 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm500.

Police inspector Pierre Grech prosecuted while Dr Chris Cardona and Dr Ian Farrugia appeared for Mr Schembri.