Workplace dalliance ends up in court

A government employee has been handed a one-year sentence suspended for two years after he admitted to sexually harassing a co-worker.

Carmelo Desira, 61, from Qormi, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, to charges related to the violent indecent assault of his colleague. He also pleaded guilty to sexual harassment and offending public morals.

He also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of violent indecent assault on a vulnerable person, as the co-worker was being treated for mental health problems.

The court heard how initially the two workers, who are both married, would flirt with each other in the workplace. After some time, the teasing and comments gave way to sexual advances and the female colleague eventually asked Desira to stop, as she felt the situation was getting out of hand.

Desira persisted however, and his behaviour took a turn for the harrassing, culminating in a violent indecent assault.

Desira apologised for his actions in court and admitted to all charges.

The court handed down a sentence of one year’s imprisonment suspended for two years and issued an 18-month protection order in favour of the woman.

Police Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted. Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili appeared for the man.