Septuagenarian convicted of waving loaded gun at victim

A 73-year-old man from Gzira has been conditionally discharged for a year after admitting to pointing a loaded gun at his victim, and to breaching gun licence conditions.

The incident occurred on Saturday 16 August at around 7pm, when the accused, Ugo Scicluna, went to Stephen Galea’s house in Triq Gafar Sliema, and allegedly pointed his Rohm gun to Galea.

Taking exception at this “threat”, Galea filed a report at the Sliema police station, claiming that the gun was loaded, and that the accused had threatened him.

Standing before Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, the accused argued that he only went to Galea’s house to show him his gun, and that the victim interpreted this as a threat.

Nevertheless, Ugo Scicluna admitted to the charges.

Sources close to the case said there had not been any arguments between the two men, and it is unknown why the accused pointed the gun at his victim.

In its decree, the court found Scicluna guilty of being in possession of arms proper while committing an offence, of breaching licence conditions, and of threatening Stephen Galea.

He was consequently conditionally discharged for a year, while the court ordered that the gun be confiscated.

Inspector Jonathan Ransley prosecuted, while Lawyer Anthony Stellini was legal aid.