Court revokes decree condemning police chief's actions

The court revoked a decree it issued earlier this week in which Acting Police Commissioner Ray Zammit was fined €300 for contempt of court.

On Wednesday Magistrate Francesco Depasquale found Zammit guilty of contempt of court and said the delivery of the judgment had been postponed for at least five sittings due to the absence of one of the parties.

Zammit denied that he tried to tamper with the justice system after he failed to turn up in court for a libel case instituted by former EU representative to Brussels, Richard Cachia Caruana.

“I categorically deny any attempts to tamper with the justice system or in any way interfere with this case or any other case in court,” Zammit said.

Zammit added the allegations impinged negatively on his primary duty as Acting Police Commissioner, given his responsibility to ensure the enforcement of law.

But on Friday, the court revoked its decree after Zammit filed an application in court objecting to the decree and called on the court to revoke its decree particularly the part holding him personally responsible.

In its decision, the court said it understood the reasons given by the Acting Commissioner and observed that its decree was addressed to Zammit as the head of the force and not at him personally.