Youth injured over romance folly

Four youths aged between 16 and 21 were conditionally discharged for three years and placed under a probation order after pleading guilty to grievously injuring a student outside the MCAST building in Paola on Monday.

The accused, two of which sported 'Fuck The Justice' neck tattoos, were accompanied in court by their parents and guardians.

Prosecuting officer Spiridione Zammit said the victim, 17, was chatting with one of the accused - a 16-year-old from Zabbar - on Facebook when the victim incited the 16-year-old against his girlfriend, who lives in the UK.

The provocation led to the Zabbar youth to face-off with the victim outside MCAST, accompanied by three others: Leslie Pace, 21 of Birgu, Dave Delia, 19 of Bormla and a 17-year-old from Pieta.

In the statement released to the police, the Zabbar youth claimed that the MCAST student assaulted him. "He said a group of around 15 other students attempted to encircle them but the other three joined the fray and the group dispersed," the inspector said.

Following the arrest of the Zabbar youth and Dave Delia, the other two accused surrendered themselves to the police. Describing how the four accused collaborated with the investigators Inspector Zammit said "they admitted to having kicked and punched the victim even after he succumbed to the injuries and sank to the floor. I have also been informed that the victim is awaiting a medical review to confirm if his dislocated nose can be snapped back in place".

Three defence attorneys, appearing for the four youths, thanked the prosecution for portraying a just image of the incident. The lawyers stated a prison term would only harden the young offenders against the system, whereas a lengthy probation order accompanied by a protection order for the victim could help them give their life a new direction.  

"While not condoning the incident, it should be understood that this was a folly over young romance where youths came to blows over a girl", the lawyers said. The three attorneys agreed that while a probation order could help the accused change their ways, it was up to them to take on a different path in life.

Pace's attorney said living a life without parents had led the 21-year-old to hang out with the wrong kind of friends.

"His guardian is here guaranteeing for him, and a probation officer could ensure he leave the rogue life which could lead him towards more serious crimes." Jason Grima said.

Magistrate Carol Peralta asked the two youths with neck tattoos to read out what the drawings said. Barely audible one of the accused replied "fuck the justice".

"You should go and have those tattoos removed, because justice today gave you a chance. It was justice that did not land you a prison term, and being lucky the victim's injuries are not permanent," Peralta said.

Taking into consideration the dynamics of the incident the court held there was a cause and effect to the scuffle between the youths, "however the four should learn this is not the way society lives."

The four were each conditionally discharged and placed under a probation order for three years. The court also ordered the victim to be placed under a protection order against a guarantee of €500 from each of the accused.

Inspector Spiridione Zammit prosecuted while lawyers Jason Grima, Luciano Busuttil and George Anton Buttigieg appeared for the accused.