Self-defense plea clears man of punch-up

Michael Sammut, of Zebbug was acquitted of injuring another man as the court decreed that the accused was acting in self-defense.

Prosecuting inspector Joseph Busuttil told the court that on the evening of the 15th August last year, Sammut was involved in an argument with Joseph Cordina in an underground garage in Triq San Pawl, St Paul's Bay. In the commotion, the latter was grievously injured. Sammut was also accused of damaging two vehicles.

In his statement the accused argued that he had retaliated after Cordina punched him twice in the face and made his nose bleed. "When I saw the blood I started punching him until I knocked him down. While on the ground, he asked me to stop and I did. Then he got up and ran away," Sammut said.

Cordina, the alleged victim, chose not to reply to a number of questions in order not to incriminate himself. He dropped the charges and informed the court he is forgiving the accused.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja said the court believes the accused was indeed a victim in this case. "But Cordina's choice not to answer questions denied the court the opportunity to further delve into the dynamics of the incident. Never the less, it is clear that Sammut's actions started as legitimate self-defense but spiraled out of control, causing Cordina injuries" the Magistrate said.

Further more the prosecution exhibited no evidence proving the two vehicles parked in the underground car park were damaged in the incident.  Both Cardona and Sammut said the fight took place more than 20 meters away from the cars and neither of them threw objects at each other.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja acquitted Sammut of damaging the vehicles and held the charge of injuring Cordina is excusable as it was a slight injury following legitimate self-defense.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.