Man accused of trying to burn partner's sister alive granted bail

Alvin Pullicino, who is accused, together with another man, of trying to burn his partner’s sister alive in a car as she sat there with her son, has been released on bail.

The attack took place last July in Triq il-Berebis, Zabbar, when 27-year-old Alvin Pullicino is said to have ambushed a car driven by his partner's sister and poured fuel on it, before opening the car door and splashing the accelerant on the woman. After both of the vehicle's occupants managed to get out of the car, the accused is reported to have cornered the woman, wrapped a chain around her neck and threatened to set her alight with a lighter, but stopped short. 

Pullicino has been in custody since then.

In a decree handed down this afternoon, Judge Antonio Mizzi, presiding the Criminal Court, granted the man temporary release from arrest against a deposit of €10,000 and a personal guarantee of €50,000. He is also to sign a bail book every day and observe a curfew.

21-year-old Gavin Spagnol is charged with being Pullicino's accomplice. He was granted bail in March.

Lawyers Ishmael Psaila and Alfred Abela were defence counsel to Pullicino. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri are appearing for Spagnol in the proceedings.

Inspector Christabel Chetcuti is prosecuting.