Nigerian couple conditionally discharged after assaulting supermarket owner

A Nigerian couple were conditionally discharged after admitting to assaulting and grievously injuring the owner of a supermarket in Bugibba.

Asowata Vivian, who lives in Bergamo, Italy, and Belonwu Beneth, residing at Fatima, Portugal, both 35 years old, were also accused of breaching public peace and good order.

Last Monday, 72-year old Sicilian Nicola Romano was rushed to hospital after he was assaulted by three people at his supermarket Cinque Stelle, in Triq il-Hgejjeg, Bugibba.

CCTV footage showed how the argument started when a Nigerian boy kicked Romano’s dog. The boy’s mother defended the actions of her son, alleging the dog bit him. The argument escalated and the victim was hit with a bucket and other items.

Two delivery men who were distributing goods in the area rushed to the man’s aid and pulled the Nigerians off him. However one of the women managed to escape and was not apprehended.

The 72-year old victim is the father of 20-year old Gaetano Romano, who in April 2009 was found murdered in a baking room used to dry-out material. He had been shot in the head with six, three-inch nails.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit noted the accused’s guilty plea and handed them each of them a three-year conditional discharge. The court also ordered the couple to pay €650 in damages towards the victim’s denture, which was broken during the fight.

Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted while lawyer Dean Hili appeared for the accused.