St Publius Arch Fire: CCTV Footage Led Police To Valletta Resident Bjorn Grima
CCTV footage led the police to the arrest of the Valletta man charged with burning down the 120-year-old festive arch in Floriana.
33 year-old Bjorn Grima, a taxi driver, was charged with the arson attack on the St Publius arch earlier this morning.
The route the car took, which was noted as being very particular by persecuting officers, also matched up with the accused’s the location of his mobile phone.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defence’s lawyer, Franco Debono, has already raised questions on the evidence namely whether Grima can be identified through the footage. He also added that it could not be established whether Grima had been using his phone and his car at that time.
The prosecution stuck by their guns and objected to the bail on the grounds that the accused’s character and that he may attempt to tamper with evidence.
Arguing on the basis on a presumption of innocence, the court agreed with Debono’s request to grant Grima bail.
Magistrate Audrey Demicoli is presiding over the court. Prosecuting inspectors are Saviour Baldacchino and Jeffrey Scicluna.
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