Youth placed on probation

Mason Hehls, 20 of Marsascala was placed on a three-year probational period after pleading guilty to grievously injuring a minor and scarring her face.

Last Saturday afternoon Hehls and Borg were together in a car parked in Zabbar when an argument ensued. During the verbal exchange, the accused hit the 17-year-old girl in the face. The victim was taken to hospital were the cut on her eyebrow was deemed to be grievous. 

Legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech pleaded with the court to be lenient with the unemployed youth and to offer him a chance to change his ways.” This was a one-time incident. He cooperated with the police and is sorry for his actions," the lawyer said.

Prosecuting inspector Frankie Sammut confirmed the youth had fully cooperated with the police. "What is paramount in this case is the protection of the minor and her relatives," the inspector told the court.

Magistrate Natasha Galea handed the 20-year old a three-year probational term. The court also placed the victim and her family under a two-year protection order.