Teen party organiser again in court

Joel Caruana, 22 of Tarxien was granted bail by a court after pleading not guilty to slandering the police force over the refusal of permits for a teen party. He was also charged with misusing a computer, committing a crime during the operative term of two suspended sentences, and relapsing.

Prosecuting inspector Trevor Micallef informed the court that Caruana, previously convicted over the defilement of minors, had been refused permits to organise a teen party called 'I Love Music'.

Caruana posted on the Facebook page of Joel C Marketing, stating the party was cancelled because the police claimed the venue was not big enough, and that the police did not have enough resources to police the party as two other parties were being organised on the same day.

Police officers called Caruana to remove the post as the reason behind the refusal were his previous convictions related to minors.

In February this year Caruana, a DJ and party organiser, was convicted over charges of defilement when he was pictured cupping the breast of a 14-year-old girl at one of his parties. Two years earlier, in 2010 he was sentenced to a 10-month prison term suspended for two years, for engaging in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl.

Defence lawyer Veronique Dalli requested bail, however Inspector Micallef objected, claiming the youth works in Paceville and could talk to potential witnesses. Caruana's lawyer said the police had already seized his mobile and computer, and that even if the Facebook post was removed, the police had exhibited a printed copy of the allegedly defamatory comment.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted Caruana bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €2,200. He was duly warned of the consequences of approaching potential witnesses.

Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili appeared for the accused.