Teenager struck by hunter’s lead pellet was ‘slapped’ by hunter

David Galea arraigned in court

The hunter accused of having injured a 16-year-old Dutch birdwatcher near Pembroke yesterday has been granted bail this morning after he pleaded not guilty to injuring the teenager.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella heard  Inspector Trevor Micallef describe how David Galea, 33 of Gzira, had unintentionally injured the boy causing him to suffer slight injuries. The teenager required hospital treatment for injuries to his feet caused by birdshot.

Inspector Micallef said the police had been informed by the hospital authorities that a boy had been hit with shotgun pellets at 06:45am yesterday morning.

The prosecution said that Galea subsequently slapped the Dutch birdwatcher who was trying to take a photograph of him.

Galea, who works in a Birkirkara confectionery, denied attacking and threatening the boy, causing him slight injury with a firearm and relapsing.
The prosecution did not object to the defence request that the accused be granted bail, as the victim had since left the islands and his testimony had already been gathered by the police. 

The court released Galea on bail against a deposit of €300 and a €2,000 guarantee.

Lawyers Yanika Camilleri and Vincent Micallef are defending Galea.