Magistrate who held Christmas drinks in courtroom 'resigns'

Magistrate Carol Perlata has tendered his resignation letter with immediate effect , the Ministry for Justice announced this evening.

Peralta submitted revealed revealed his intention to step down in a letter to the Office of the President. Peralta's letter, described as a "resignation letter", was published by the Justice Ministry.

In his letter, Peralta speaks of his decision "to retire, as is his right", adding that he was doing so serenely and following profound reflection.

"I am taking this decision following numerous disappointments and local disillusions , but with a satisfactory look back at the several high judicial posts I held abroad and in international institutions," he said.

Peralta also expressed dismay at not being able to personally meet the President.

READ MORE: Carol Peralta: the story of a defiant magistrate

The boisterous and flamboyant Magistrate already faced two impeachment motions, both of which fell through.

Peralta is being investigated by the Commission for the Administration of Justice after he had held Christmas drinks in his courtroom and arrested a Times of Malta reporter for three hours for taking snapshots of the irregular party in 2013.

Peralta himself has repeatedly refused to deny any involvement in freemasonry, when asked by MaltaToday. He had simply stated that it freemasonry was not illegal and that ample court judgments existed saying that there was no conflict between being a Freemason and a member of the judiciary.