Businessmen charged with negligence reach out-of-court settlement

New charges were issued against the four directors of Island Bunker Oils (IBOL), themselves already facing charges of either corruption or bribery on commissions paid to Enemalta officials from oil firms, on consignments to the state utility.

It was a surreal atmosphere as directors Tancred Tabone, 59, Anthony Cassar, 62, and Francis Portelli, 62 - director-shareholders of IBOL - were brought in court to face charges of negligence and failing to abide by health and safety regulations, which led to an employee being grievously injured.

Other directors, Joseph Pandolfino, 47 of Gharb, Frederick Frendo, 61 of Swieqi, and Godrey Massa, 44 of Mtarfa, were also accused of the same charges.

The case dates back to 29 May 2010, when Gilbert Galea suffered severe hand injuries when his hand got stuck in mechanical equipment. The case happened at around 9:30am at a Gudja depot in Tal-Lampat.

Lawyer Albert Libreri, appearing for the victim, informed the court that an administrative agreement had been reached between Galea and IBOL, the company having paid him an undisclosed sum of money in compensation. Libreri also said his client renounced his interest in the case and wanted to drop all charges.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia said that while understanding that a compensation agreement had been reached, he had to verify if such action would indeed extinguish the case. Prosecuting inspector Arthur Mercieca and Occupational Health & Safety Authority representative David Saliba failed to attend the sitting, leaving the court no alternative but to put off the case.

Magistrate Farrugia put off the case for 6 November. Lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell appeared for IBOL.