Almost 1,000 suspended sentences given by Maltese courts in two years

The courts in Malta and Gozo handed down a total of 967 suspended sentences in 2013 and 2014.

According to information tabled in parliament by Justice Minister Owen Bonnici in reply to a question raised by PN MP Carm Mifsud Bonnici, the absolute majority of the suspended sentences were given by the Magistrates’ Courts.

In 2013, the Magistrates’ Courts handed down 479 suspended sentences; the Superior Criminal Courts gave 38 suspended sentences while the Magistrates’ Court in Gozo gave seven.

In 2014, the Magistrates’ Courts handed down 426 suspended sentences; the Superior Criminal Courts gave 24 suspended sentences while the Magistrates’ Court in Gozo gave nine.

In a separate reply, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said the prisons’ board of visitors met 15 times in 2013 and 2014 while the Parole Board met 24 times.