28-year-old denied bail after allegedly resisting police in Birkirkara

A 28-year-old man who allegedly ran away from police after being found unconscious in Birkirkara has been denied bail, with the court ordering that he receive medical and psychological assistance while in custody.

The incident took place on 23 September at around 2:30pm, when police officers patrolling the area informed the Birkirkara police station that they had come across a person who appeared to be unconscious. An ambulance was subsequently called to the scene.

Nurses were already assisting Julian Lee Ritchie when other police officers arrived. As the officers approached him, Ritchie allegedly got up and ran away.

Officers ordered him to stop, but he allegedly continued running until police caught up with him and apprehended him.

Ritchie allegedly refused to cooperate during his arrest, with three police officers suffering slight injuries. A car was also allegedly damaged as a result of his carelessness during the arrest.

Pepper spray was later found in his possession during a search.

Ritchie faces a series of charges over the incident, including violently resisting police, failing to obey police orders and breaching the peace.

He also faces charges over the injuries suffered by the three officers, the damage to the car and the pepper spray allegedly found in his possession. Other charges include refusing to provide police with his correct particulars, vagrancy and having no apparent means of supporting himself.

Ritchie pleaded not guilty, while the validity of his arrest was not contested by the defence.

During submissions on bail, the court heard that Ritchie is unemployed and is currently being allowed to stay at a property with the owner’s consent.

The defence argued that he had a fixed address and ties to the community, adding that he was willing to be placed under supervision and follow conditions imposed by the court.

The prosecution raised concerns over the bail request, questioning whether Ritchie would be able to understand and comply with any conditions imposed by the court. It also referred to medical issues and anger-management problems, saying that while his release could be considered under strict conditions, there were doubts over whether he would ultimately abide by them.

The court rejected the bail request, citing the nature and circumstances of the case and saying it did not have sufficient guarantees that Ritchie would obey the orders imposed on him.

The court also recommended to the Director of the Corradino Correctional Facility that Ritchie be provided with all necessary assistance, including medical and psychological care.

Inspector Clayton Abela prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono, Eman Scicluna and Matthew Xuereb appeared for the defence.

Magistrate Astrid May Grima presided over the case.