Għaxaq Man Accused Of Murdering Cat In Marsa Drive-By Shooting Denied Bail
24-year-old Clyde Mallia from Għaxaq, accused of shooting and killing a cat in Marsa, was denied bail in court.
The alleged shooting, filmed by witnesses, occurred earlier this month on 1st June, according to Police Inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa.
In court, Zerafa explained that the footage shows a car stopping at road in Marsa, with someone shooting at a passing cat from inside the vehicle.
After being shot, the animal was seen trembling and convulsing, before eventually collapsing lifeless on the road.
The footage clearly captured the car and its number plate, allowing police to trace it back to its registered owner – a woman who informed them the vehicle belonged to her daughter’s ex-boyfriend and was registered in her name only.
Days later, the ex-boyfriend, Mallia, was spotted driving the same car, leading to his arrest warrant, Zerafa detailed.
During police questioning, Mallia’s ex-girlfriend disclosed she was in the vehicle with him during the incident and could provide precise details.
Following a police visit to Mallia’s home, where they executed an arrest warrant, officers found a box of bullets and air gun pellets, although no firearms were located.
Inspector Zerafa noted that an autopsy on the deceased cat revealed bullets lodged in its body matching those recovered from Mallia’s residence.
Mallia faces charges of illegal firearm possession, as well as animal cruelty for shooting and killing the cat, in addition to charges of driving without a licence or insurance and breaching four separate bail conditions, indicating a history of reoffending.
Mallia pleaded not guilty to all charges and sought bail, which Magistrate Marse Anne Farrugia denied, requesting the prosecution to promptly present civilian witnesses.
Defence counsel Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit represented Mallia.
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