A man accused of drug trafficking and possession of child pornography has been released on bail after spending nearly 16 months in preventive custody.

41-year-old Keith Desmond Falzon of Birzebbugia had been under arrest since 29 August 2017, after a police raid on his garage found cash, illegal pornography and drugs. He was already on bail for another offence at the time.

In a ruling handed down earlier this week, Mr Justice Giovanni Grixti noted that “enough time” had been given to the prosecution to summon its witnesses, in particular vulnerable minors who may be the victims of sexual abuse, but that these minors had yet to testify.

As the Attorney General could not give a satisfactory answer as to why this was happening, the reason for the man’s continued arrest was exhausted, said the court.

The Criminal Court ruled that the man could be released from arrest against a €5,000 deposit and a €20,000 personal guarantee.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto was defence counsel.