Polidano's brother not guilty of criminal negligence in construction accident

Paul Polidano, brother of construction magnate Charles 'ic-Caqnu' Polidano, has been cleared of criminal responsibility for a construction site incident in 2003, as a result of which one of his workers suffered a permanent disability.

The court heard how Joseph Debono, an experienced construction worker, fell three storeys during a manual demolition job after a hook attached to a large brick that was being removed from the roof caught on his clothing, dragging him over the side.

Debono suffered a broken neck, fractures to his spine, arms and legs in the fall.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti noted that the victim himself had said that the nature of the site did not permit the use of a safety harness and that Polidano Brothers Limited had carried out the necessary risk assessment together with a government architect before works began.

In addition, it was noted that the criminal proceedings were being taken against Paul Polidano in his personal capacity and not as an employer. The magistrate said that the court could not simply assume that Polidano, not the company, was Debono’s employer - this fact had to be proven.

Polidano was released without charge.

Inspector Frankie Sammut prosecuted. 

Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha represented Polidano