Man who assaulted warden gets suspended jail term

The driver who assaulted a traffic warden after he was pulled over for using his mobile phone while driving, was handed a two-year jail term suspended for four years after pleading guilty to the assault of the public officer, disobeying legitimate orders and breaching public peace.

Inspector Godwin Grech said the accused's brother was Tuesday morning driving down Triq il-Miratur in Floriana, and talking on his mobile phone. Traffic warden Luiga Borda pulled the man over to issue a traffic contravention. The accused, 30-year-old Christian Mangion, of Birgu, had just left his girlfriend's residence in Floriana when he saw his brother being booked by the warden.

The accused approached the other two and intervened to try and get his brother of the hook. An argument ensued between the accused and the victim. Allegedly, warden Borda insulted the accused who in return punched her, causing her slight injuries.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja handed Mangion a two-year jail term suspended for four years.

Lawyer Mark Vassallo appeared for the accused.