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Sex claim is wishful thinking – Isabelle Azzopardi

The woman at the centre of the attempted rape allegations made against Police Commissioner yesterday flatly denied that there had been a sexual relationship between the two of them, describing the notion as "wishful" thinking on the side of George Grech.
Despite George Grech’s admission in court on Thursday that he had an 18-month affair with the woman, Isabelle Azzopardi describes this claim as "made up", saying she "never gave consent to any relationship".

She alleges that Mr Grech tried in every way to have a relationship with her even though she turned down his approaches.

In his evidence Mr Grech denied any wrongdoing claiming that the relationship was consensual throughout.

Speaking to MaltaToday Ms Azzopardi highlights the conflicting versions of events Mr Grech gave on Radio 101 in August, on the TV programme Bondicini almost three weeks ago and again now in court.

"First (on Radio 101) he claims this was orchestrated because of his work involvement and then he says there was never a relationship and appears with his wife on public TV claiming that somebody was trying to destroy his family," Ms Azzopardi says.

Ms Azzopardi and her husband John tell this newspaper that they are happily married and enjoying a healthy relationship. She stresses that Mr Grech "could not digest" this fact.

"I do not need an aged man like him," she adds.

Ms Azzopardi denies ever threatening or blackmailing Mr Grech. "I just kept on trying to stop him. I said I would lodge a report if he kept harassing me."

Ms Azzopardi maintains that after bringing the case to the attention of the Prime Minister, Mr Grech still continued harassing her. Referring to the encounters she and her husband had with George Grech’s wife and his friends, Ms Azzopardi says that these were requests for help in a bid to knock some sense into Mr Grech.

"As these people know very well, these were not threats but requests for help," Ms Azzopardi maintains. "I do not seek attention. All I want is to continue my quiet, private life without this harassment."