Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536520
4 NEWS 4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 18 JUNE 2025 KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Man charged over violent assault on elderly neighbour in Mosta The accused was arraigned under arrest on multiple charges related to a violent argument with his 79-year-old neighbour A 43-year-old man has been charged fol- lowing an altercation with a 79-year-old neighbour, in an incident that left the el- derly man with grievous injuries. Sliema resident Jonathan Vella was ar- raigned under arrest on multiple charges related to a violent argument that re- portedly took place on the morning of 13 June at a residence in Mosta. The case was reported to police at the Mosta sta- tion later that day. Police were first informed of the inci- dent at around 2:00pm, but officers were unable to locate the suspect at his home. Vella later arrived at the police station voluntarily at around 8:30pm. In court, Vella pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including causing grievous bodily harm to the elderly vic- tim. According to medical certification, he sustained grievous injuries. Prosecu- tors highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, noting that he was an elderly and dependent person. The prosecution, accused Vella of not only physically injuring Mizzi but also knowingly putting the elderly man in danger and inflicting unjustifiable men- tal or physical suffering. Vella also faces additional charges of making threats, using offensive lan- guage, and disturbing the public peace during the incident. The defence requested bail, arguing that the accused voluntarily went to the police and should be released from ar- rest. However, this request was denied by the court, in view of the seriousness of the charges and the vulnerability of the victim. A protection order has been requested to safeguard the victim during the pro- ceedings. The case is ongoing. The proseuction is being led by AG law- yer Kristina Bartolo and inspector Ryan Vella. The accused is being represented by defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi. File photo MSPCA sounds alarm over illegal dumping of dead animals THE MSPCA has sounded the alarm over the illegal dump- ing of animals in open fields around Malta. "Animals are being dumped in open fields — cruel, illegal, and dangerous," it said in a Facebook post. The NGO reminded people abandoning dead animals vio- lates Malta's Animal Welfare and Environmental Health laws. "Offenders face fines and prosecution." It also warned it is a health risk, saying rotting carcasses spread disease, contaminate land and water, and attract vermin, which in turn endan- ger wildlife, pets, and people. "There are legal disposal methods. Respect life, even in death. Use licensed vets or environmental services, never dump," it said. The MSPCA is demanding stronger enforcement, clearer disposal guidance and more public awareness. Rain and thunder expected later this week: MET Office POSSIBLE showers which could be thundery are expected this week, the MET Office has said. The current forecast issued is indicating there might be some possible showers in the afternoon on Thursday 19 June, and isolated showers which could be possibly thundery on Friday. These changes will cause a drop in the maximum temperature: 29°C on Thursday and 28°C on Friday. Otherwise, the weather should be mainly sunny and partly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday, the MET Office. "It's important to keep in mind that the forecast might change according to the new model data received, especially towards the end of the week, and that the team will be updating the forecast on the website accordingly," a Malta International Airport spokesper- son said. On the June weather norms, the MET Office said the mean maximum temperature stood at 28.8°C, and the mean minimum temperature stood at 19.6°C. Precipitation for the month of June stood at 6mm. Thundery days were registered once. Rain and thunder are expected at the end of the week (Photo: Met Office) JAELLE BORG jborg@mediatoday.com.mt