Bus driver convicted of sexually harassing passenger

A 58-year-old bus driver from Rabat was this morning handed an eight month imprisonment term suspended for two years after pleading guilty to sexually harassing a 29-year-old female passenger during a bus ride on Friday.

The incident occurred on Friday at around 9:30pm on board a bus in Birkirkara when the accused, Mario Farrugia, harassed the woman by touching her legs and kissing her.

The passenger is a 29-year-old woman from Venezuela.

Standing before the Court of Magistrates this afternoon, Mario Farrugia admitted to the charges. In her decree, presiding Magistrate Josette Demicoli noted that the man had apologised and that he had cooperated with the police.

Taking this into account, the court was handed Farrugia an eight month jail term suspended for two years and fined €480. The court also issued a protection order, warning Farrugia against approaching the victim for the next year or else face a €500 fine.

Inspector Luke Bonello prosecuted while Lawyer Yanika Camilleri was defence counsel.