Pensioner accused of threatening neighbour with gun granted bail

A 63-year-old pensioner from Marsaskala has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to allegedly threatening his neighbour with a firearm.

Mario Tabone was arraigned under arrest on Wednesday following an incident in Triq il-Blajjiet, Marsaskala, on Monday evening. The court heard that police received a call at around 8 pm on 21 September from a woman reporting that a man she did not know was threatening her with a gun and waving it in her presence.

Officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit went to Tabone’s residence, where they found both the accused and a firearm. Tabone was arrested. Police also searched the rest of the property for additional weapons but found none.

Further checks revealed that the firearm was not registered in Tabone’s name and that he did not hold a firearms licence.

Tabone was charged with causing the woman to fear that violence would be used against her or her property, with the prosecution citing the alleged use or threatened use of a weapon and the fact that the offence was allegedly committed on or in the presence of a minor.

He was also charged with possessing a firearm while committing an offence against a person, unlawful possession of a firearm, insulting or threatening the woman, and disturbing the public peace.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The defence requested bail, which the prosecution opposed on the grounds that the alleged victim lives directly opposite Tabone.

The prosecution argued that the proximity of their homes raised concerns about possible interference with the woman, who is a witness in the proceedings.

The defence argued that video evidence had already been preserved in court. He submitted that appropriate bail conditions could be imposed to prevent the accused from approaching or interfering with the alleged victim.

The court ultimately granted Tabone bail against a €2,000 deposit and a €5,000 personal guarantee.

He was ordered to sign the bail book every day and observe a curfew between 9pm and 6am.

The court also issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victim.

Police Inspector Hannah Harmer prosecuted. Lawyer Ezekiel Psaila represented the accused.

Magistrate Elaine Rizzo presided over the sitting.