Man accused of arson attempt on residence of man charged with Marsa murder

A man who was allegedly involved in an arson attempt which led to the killing of a person in Marsa last month was charged in court yesterday.

Aaron Cassar, 37, from Kirkop, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Joe Mifsud and was denied bail.

Cassar was accused of attempted arson, the theft of a Toyota Starlet from Valletta on 14 November, and of a set of registration plates from a different vehicle in Luqa, five days later.

On 12 February, 25-year-old Sylvester Farrugia was found dead beside the stolen Toyota Starlet in Triq Simpson, Marsa. Deniro Magri was charged with his murder a day later.

Mr Magri argued that he acted in self-defence after noticing two men approaching the front door of his residence where he resides together with his partner and son. One of the suspects was carrying an object which he believed might have been a bomb, the court heard.

Police inspector Keith Arnaud had confirmed a strong smell of fuel outside Mr Magri’s front door.

During today’s sitting, Inspector Arnaud said that Mr Cassar had been questioned for the first time two days after the murder and had been released on police bail. Mr Cassar was arrested for the second time yesterday on the strength of fresh forensic evidence. The prosecution objected to bail, saying the defendant had a 13page criminal record and was charged with a very serious crime. Legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech said that the evidence was rather vague at this stage.

The court turned down the bail request.

Lawyers Amadeus Cachia and Giannella de Marco appeared parte civile for Mr Magri, while Jason Azzopardi appeared parte civile for Mr Farrugia’s family.