Fined for taking €17,000 watch from estranged wife’s hand

Edward Cassar of Wardija was fined €400 after the Court of Criminal Appeal overturned his acquittal from charges relating to abuse of law, when he forcefully removed a €17,000 diamond watch off his estranged wife's wrist.

The Attorney General had appealed the judgement by the Magistrate's Court on the basis of a misinterpretation of the law, as Cassar took the law into his own hands without seeking legal remedy with the Civil Court.

The Court heard that the incident happened in June 2009, when Mary Cassar had gone to her matrimonial home in Wardija to collect her belongings at the end of a four year separation saga.

An argument ensued with her husband as she went home, and he noticed the watch on her wrist.

Edward Cassar had claimed that he had bought the watch with his money and had given it to her as a gift during their marriage. He forcefully removed it from her hand, injuring her in the process.

In its considerations, the Court of Appeal presided by Judge Michael Mallia upheld the Attorney General's argument that Cassar did in fact take the law into his own hands. He was fined €400.

The watch is no more in Edward Cassar's possession.