A 32-year-old man pleaded guilty to threatening and resisting two wardens after they were going to book him.

Joseph Debono, from Qormi, pleaded guilty, before presiding magistrate Giovanni Grixti, to resisting and threatening Denise Grech and Michael Vassallo on Monday, at around 5.45 pm.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi told the court that Mr Debono had an argument with Ms Grech who had taken advantage of her position and abused the power it afforded her.

He pointed out that even though his client’s actions were not correct, he never pointed the firearm at the wardens or threatened anyone. Dr Azzopardi said that there was a heated argument, and added that this case ended up in court as a result of the wardens’ attitude.

Dr Azzopardi also told the court that to make matters worse, Mr Debono had family problems.

Prosecuting inspector Marisa Camilleri said that Mr Debono did not deserve a prison sentence because he has a clean criminal record and never had any trouble with the police before.

The case was put off pending judgement.

Police inspectors Marisa Camilleri and Anthony Cachia prosecuted, while Dr Arthur Azzopardi appeared for Mr Debono.