14-month jail term for runaway detainee

Julian Genovese, 53, was today jailed or 14 months after pleading guilty to fleeing from Mater Dei on Thursday 22 August while in the custody of prison guards.

At the time, Genovese was under preventive custody over charges of domestic violence and grievous bodily harm to a woman.

The accused was escorted to hospital by two prison guards, after he complained of chest pains.

However, on his arrival at hospital he escaped and the guards immediately informed the police. He was later apprehended at his partner's residence at Ta' Zwejt Housing Estate, limits of San Gwann.

Today's sitting saw Genovese facing charges of absconding from custody. The accused pleaded guilty and Magistrate Saviour Demicoli handed Genovese a 14 month jail term.