Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534889
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 30 APRIL 2025 NEWS JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt A man was remanded in custo- dy after he allegedly locked his father in a room while he was under the influence of drugs and caused his parents to fear vio- lence. Kersten Magro, 32, from Qormi was charged with caus- ing fear of violence to his par- ents and holding his father against his will. It was heard in court that the father reported his own son. The father told the police that his son had been suffering with drug addiction for the past four years and was constantly ask- ing him for money to fuel his addiction. The victim explained that two days ago, his son requested €5 but he refused to give him the money. In a fit of anger, his son allegedly locked him in a room in his own residence and left the house. During police interrogation, the accused admitted that after he locked his father, he took his money and bought a packet of cigarettes before returning to the residence to let his father out. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him. At this stage, his lawyer de- cided not to not request bail and so the accused remained under arrest. The prosecution was led by Inspector Antonello Magri. Le- gal aid lawyer Martin Farrugia assisted the accused. Man accused of locking his father in a room for refusing to give him drug money Government signs land deal for Victoria open space and parking project During police interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that after he locked his father, he took his money and bought a packet of cigarettes before returning to the residence to let his father out MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt THE government has announced the signing of a land transfer in Pjazza l-Assedju, Victoria, that will make way for a project in- cluding a new underground car park and an open green space in the city centre. "All of this is being done with a clear vision that looks towards the sustainable devel- opment of Gozo and that goes hand in hand with both the re- gional development strategy of Gozo: Island of Villages as well as the Malta Vision 2050," said Minister for Gozo and Plan- ning Clint Camilleri. The project will see around 2,100sq.m of open space cre- ated, along with a multi-level underground car park provid- ing at least 230 extra parking spaces. Camilleri added that the pro- ject shows the government's commitment to invest in the heart of Gozo, and to improve the quality of life for its res- idents through sustainable planning. At the end of 2024, the Gozo Regional Development Au- thority (GRDA) had already issued a Preliminary Market Consultation for this project, named the Victoria Car Park and Green Space in Pjazza l-Assedju. The land was officially trans- ferred from the Lands Author- ity to the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, in a move that ministers say will improve in- frastructure and services in the area. Minister for Lands and Elec- toral Programme Implementa- tion Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said the agreement shows how the Lands Authority is working to change how transport and urban space are managed in Malta. "With this agreement, the Lands Authority is continuing to assist in making a change in the mode of transport in the heart of our communities for greater convenience for Gozitans and all those who vis- it this locality," Azzopardi said. He also noted that the Au- thority is committed to turning more government land in town centres into public spaces that benefit the wider community. Victoria, Gozo project will see around 2,100sq.m of open space created, along with a multi-level underground car park providing at least 230 extra parking spaces Land transfer in Pjazza l-Assedju, Victoria, will make way for a project including a new underground car park and an open green space in the centre (Photo: MGP/MLI)