Suspected arsonist jailed for not turning up for his own trial

A man accused of arson has been jailed for 60 days after he failed to turn up for his trial by jury this morning, allegedly due to traffic-related delays.

Martin Marco Baldacchino from Zebbug was charged with arson in August 2011, having allegedly set fire to the door to the Qormi home of the Falzon family. Baldachhino, a drug addict who was described at the time as suffering from serious psychological problems, was arrested trying to flee the scene while by a police patrol.

He was also charged with breaching the conditions of a conditional discharge. Baldacchino was on bail awaiting trial. Mr Falzon, his wife and children were at home at the time, together with a number of GO employees who had been maintaining telecommunications apparatus installed on the roof.

When the trial was convened at 9:00am, prosecuting lawyers Elaine Mercieca and Anne Marie Cutajar, investigating police Inspector Alexandra Zammit,  as well as defence lawyers Franco Debono and Gavin Gulia were present, but the accused himself failed to turn up.

The defence informed the court that the accused had called to say that he was stuck in traffic. Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi retired to chambers to allow for the man's arrival.

But when the trial was reconvened at 10am, the accused once again failed to appear.

Finding Baldacchino in contempt of court, the judge ordered the accused's arrest and condemned him to 60 days' detention. The trial was rescheduled for Thursday, 1 December.