Hunter charged with shooting protected birds

A hunter from Marsaskala has been released on bail after being charged with shooting two protected birds during the closed season.

Inspector Colin Sheldon arraigned the man, whom sources identified as Fredu Desira, known as l-Indjan, before magistrate Aaron Bugeja this afternoon.

The 65 year-old was accused of killing two Montagu's harriers – schedule 1 protected birds – possibly in the Delimara area, during the closed season.

He was also charged with possession of the protected birds and relapsing.

Legal procurator Peter Paul Zammit entered a plea of not guilty and requested bail.

The court granted the accused bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.