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Three found guilty in Paola bombing tragedy

A jury yesterday found all three men guilty on charges connected with the bombing of a Paola photography studio in 1992 which left a woman and her toddler dead.

Silvio Pace, John Polidano and Vincent Spiteri were all found guilty of complicity in causing arson leading to the death of Yvette Bonnici, 24, and her 18-month-old son, Sean.

The jury, which took about eight hours to reach a verdict, also found all three men guilty of attempting to defraud an insurance company.

The prosecution argued that John Polidano had instructed Vincent Spiteri and Silvo Pace to burn down his shop, Oxford Studio in Paola, on 18 March 1992, so he could claim the insurance.

But the fuel they used caused an explosion which killed the mother and toddler, who lived in a flat at the back of the studio.

Dr Anthony Barbara led the prosecution, while Dr Joe Mifsud, Dr Michael Schriha, Dr Albert Libreri and Dr Malcolm Mifsud appeared for the defence.
Mr Justice Patrick Vella is expected to deliver his sentence tomorrow.