Man Jailed 30 Months for Birkirkara Arson

In the quiet, narrow streets of Birkirkara, where laundry dries on lines strung across balconies and neighbours greet each other with a cheerful ‘Bonġu’, the acrid smell of smoke and the crackle of flames shattered the peaceful morning. A fire had engulfed a second-floor flat in Triq San Ġorġ, leaving a trail of destruction and a man behind bars.

The man responsible for the blaze, 45-year-old Joseph Xuereb, was sentenced to 30 months in prison last week. Xuereb, a local resident, admitted to setting fire to his neighbour’s flat in a fit of rage following a long-standing dispute. The fire, which started in the early hours of June 12, 2021, caused significant damage to the property and led to the evacuation of nearby residents.

“It was a terrifying experience,” recalled Maria, a 60-year-old woman who lives in the same block. “I woke up to the sound of my smoke alarm and saw the flames licking the walls outside my window. I grabbed my cat and rushed out, not knowing if I’d ever see my home again.”

Xuereb was arrested later that day, his clothes still reeking of smoke and accelerant. During his trial, he confessed to starting the fire using a can of petrol he had brought from a nearby garage. He told the court that the dispute with his neighbour had escalated, leading him to act in a moment of anger and desperation.

Mr. Justice Antonio Mizzi, presiding over the case, described Xuereb’s actions as “reckless and dangerous,” noting that the fire could have easily spread to other flats in the building. He sentenced Xuereb to 30 months in prison, suspending the final six months. Xuereb was also ordered to pay €10,000 in damages to his neighbour.

“Today, justice has been served,” said the victim, who wished to remain anonymous. “No one should have to live in fear in their own home. I hope this sentence sends a clear message that arson will not be tolerated in our community.”

The incident has sparked a conversation among Birkirkara residents about the importance of community unity and vigilance in preventing such incidents. The local council has organised community meetings to discuss neighbourly disputes and the dangers of arson.

“We must stand together as a community and support each other,” said Mayor of Birkirkara, Doris Sammut. “Disputes can happen, but they should never escalate to this level. We must all be responsible for each other’s safety.”