Court turns down man’s appeal over fireworks infringement

A man from Zebbug who was found in possession of illegal fireworks had his two year jail term confirmed by a court of appeal.

On 12 May 2008, acting on anonymous information the police searched the Zebbug residence of Carmel Falzon.

Fireworks and Chinese crackers were found on the roof of the house ready to be set off. More fireworks and explosive materials were found in other rooms of the house.

Court experts held the fireworks on the roof were covered by the necessary police permits. Furthermore the accused had taken all safety precaution in the setting up of the fireworks. However the fireworks found inside the rooms were kept illegally.

Carmel Falzon told the court he has a fireworks licence B, which entitles him to work in pyrotechnics.

He explained how at times he takes material home with him where he continues working.

Following the raid in his residence a court of magistrates had jailed him for two years and suspended his pyrotechnic licence for eight years after his release from prison.

Falzon had appealed arguing the court had used his case to send out a no tolerance message.

Justice Michael Mallia threw out the appeal and confirmed the entire sentence.

The judge held that the law is there for the citizen's safety and should be adhered to.

The accused abused his licence and the police permit allowing him to set off fireworks from his roof.

"Such irresponsible behaviour could have turned into another fireworks incident with possible loss of lives".