Tourist guide denies assaulting police officer

A visibly emotional, Nadine Fenech pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer and trying to flee from a crime scene.

Fenech was charged with threatening and slightly injuring PC729 Kevin Decelis, resisting arrest and damaging a private vehicle during the afternoon of 28 August. The incident happened in St Julian's.

Constantly interrupting the court, Fenech, a 48-year-old born in Malaysia and residing in Marsa, explained that she is a tourist guide and insisted she would defend her own case.

She also told the court she needs to travel with her parents in the coming days. "However that police officer said he'll put me in a cell and keep me from traveling", she said.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona reassured the accused she would be traveling with her parents but needs to allow the court proceeding to move on.

While the Magistrate read the charges, Fenech again interrupted saying she had photos in her possession showing what really happened and it's not acceptable that a police officer breaks the law.

The court again tried to explain to the accused the she would have time to voice her defence after the charges are read and the prosecution concludes its evidence.

Constantly complaining about the behaviour of the police officer who allegedly blocked her vehicle and later claimed she tried to flee the crime scene, Fenech was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €500.

As Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona was explaining the bail conditions and granted her permission to travel, Fenech loudly complained that it is unfair that she is found guilty without having told the court her version of events.

The Magistrate silenced the accused stating that his patience was running thin and he would pass judgment there and then unless she follows normal court procedures.