Man discharged following family feud

Stephen Tonna, 28 from Mosta was conditionally discharged for two years after being found guilty of threatening and assaulting his brothers Reno and Joseph and damaging their vehicles.

On 21 February 2010 an argument ensued between the brothers in their field in Mosta. The three brothers have a long-standing history of arguments between them.

All three have filed various police reports against each other regarding the use of their fields. The Tonnas have three construction companies and keep their construction vehicles in separate areas of the field.

During the argument the accused drove into and moved Reno's van with a bulldozer. The police went on site and calmed down the brothers. Moments later Reno and Joseph reported at the police station how Stephen had driven the bulldozer in Joseph's direction and rammed his car.

Reno claimed his vehicle's damage cost €1,374. However a court expert held there was no damage to the vehicle's gearbox as Reno claimed.

The accused took the witness stand and admitted driving into his brother's vehicles with a bulldozer. He also claimed Joseph had tried to assault him with a brick.

Magistrate Doreen Vella Clarke stated the brothers gave different versions of the events. One of the brothers claimed damages which were not real and the three have an ongoing family rift.

The court found the accused guilty of threatening and insulting his brothers, damaging their vehicles and breaching public peace. He was acquitted of attempting to cause his brother grievous injuries,  dangerous driving, harassing his brothers and instilling fear.