Dimech describes his accuser 'aggressive'

Dimech and Debono were testifying in court in a case instituted against Stephen Buhagiar, the former contracts manager.

Buhagiar is being accused of having been aggressive to a public official and resisted a public officer.

Buhagiar’s dismissal by the council last year initiated the Sliema local council controversy which led to Dimech’s expulsion from the council and his resignation from the Nationalist Party and subsequent arraignment over bribery.

Dimech and Debono told court that on March 23, 2010, the two had gone to Rudolph Street to inspect holes for festa poles.

The poles had been dug on the newly-laid surface.

The argument followed a question raised by the two when they asked whether Buhagiar had the required permits. Debono said Buhagiar pushed him aggressively and Dimech had to intervene to stop the fight.

Debono claimed Buhagiar had called him “a zero” and that “we are in government, so we decide.” He then turned to Dimech and told him not to intervene.

Debono said the relevant permits were not found, even though Buhagiar said that Joseph Grech, from the council, had told him to drill the holes.

Buhagiar’s defence lawyer asked if there existed any tension in the council at the time, but Debono replied no, since all the councilors had voted for Buhagiar’s contract to be terminated.

Dimech also testified that Buhagiar had been involved in another incident involving councilor Edmond Cuschieri in which Buhagiar had also been aggressive.