Accused cusses and blasphemes at magistrate in open court

A Cospicua man has been fined €4,000 for blaspheming at a magistrate in court today.

58 year-old George Farrugia, known as ic-Capalaw was arraigned before magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech this afternoon, accused of stealing a gold bracelet from an elderly woman in Hamrun on 27 September.

The charges were aggravated by violence, the age of the victim and the time. He was also accused of holding her against her will.

He was further charged with stealing two suitcases on 7 October from Valletta and relapsing.

But as he was spoken to by lawyer Martin Fenech, the man misunderstood him and believing that he was about to be jailed for two years in order to qualify for drug rehabilitation, erupted into blasphemy, shouting and jabbing his finger at the court and swearing terrible oaths at her.

Fined at first €1,000, going up by €1,000 with every curse, by the time the man was dragged out of the courtroom, he had incurred a fine of at least €4,000.

He was led back in after a while and begged forgiveness, saying he needed to be sent for drug rehabiliation.

Replying, the court said "that you insult me is disrespectful, but what I cannot accept is blasphemy."

"I'm a Satanist," the accused answered, matter of factly. "Look, I have an upside down cross tattooed on my neck."

He pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court imposed a treatment order on the man, pending sentencing.

Inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Daryl Borg prosecuted.