Five convicted of injuring police officers in wedding brawl

Five men were handed suspended jail terms after being convicted of assaulting and injuring two police officers during a fight in a
M'Scala wedding hall in September 2011.

Peter Camilleri, 56 and his sons Pater Paul, 21 and Jesrit Angel, 21, together with Carren Camilleri, 31 and Joseph Medina, 46, all of
Zabbar were charged with grievously injuring PC684 Francis Formosa  and causing slight but permanent injuries to PC 847 Jurgen Zerafa. They were also charged with disobeying police orders, resisting arrest, and breaching public peace and good order.

Prosecuting officer Fabian Fleuri told the court how on 25 September 2011, the five were departing from a wedding reception, held at Villa
Sant' Anna, Triq il-Qaliet, M'Scala. An argument erupted between the men and when two police officers intervened, they were assaulted and
both suffered injuries. The two officers were on extra duty at the wedding hall.

Officer Formosa recounted how at the end of the wedding reception he noted two women arguing. Given that a large number of guests were drunk, he approached and tried to calm them while officer Zerafa tried to talk to a group of guests who had joined the fray and were insulting each other. However the guests assaulted the other officer and when he tried to help, he was thrown to the ground and kicked.

Other guests helped the officers back to their feet but again they were assaulted. Formosa was again pushed to the ground and suffered a fractured wrist. Zerafa, who was also injured in the fight, corroborated Formosa's testimony.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli said that the facts of the case are very clear. "The statements the accused gave to investigators and evidence heard in court prove the charges raised by the prosecution. While considering that the accused assaulted officers in their line of duty, the court understands that such behaviour was a result of alcohol intoxication."

Convicting all five men, the court handed Peter Camilleri, Jesrit Angel Camilleri and Joseph Medina, a 12-month jail term suspended for two years. Peter Paul Camilleri was handed a 20-month jail term suspended for three years while Carren Camilleri was given a 14-month jail term suspended for two years. The two officers were placed under a 12-month protection order against a €500 personal guarantee by each of the convicted.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri, Geoffrey Vella and Stefano Filletti appeared for the accused.