‘One-off’ breach of bail costs man dearly

The court noted that the law did not give it the option of not confiscating the man's deposit and guarantee and not rearresting him, after he breached bail following an alleged break-up

Defence lawyer Alfred Abela argued that his 2013 case was up for sentencing next month
Defence lawyer Alfred Abela argued that his 2013 case was up for sentencing next month

An alleged broken heart has cost one man €3,450 after police manning a roadblock noticed him outside in breach of his bail conditions, which he had obeyed since 2013.

Inspector Kylie Borg told magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras that 22-year-old Daniele Aquilina from Ta' Xbiex, who had been on bail on charges of using a stolen ID card to sign up for mobile phone contracts, was arrested late last Saturday night at a police roadblock. His bail conditions, laid down during his 2013 arraignment, had imposed a curfew on the accused.

Inspector Borg told the court that the accused had claimed to have recently broken up with his girlfriend and that this was a factor in his behaviour.

Aquilina pleaded guilty to the charges.

Defence lawyer Alfred Abela argued that his 2013 case was up for sentencing next month. The accused had always been careful to observe his bail conditions, stressed the lawyer. “This was a one-off. He is making great efforts to better himself. If not on bail he can't work and can't pay his fine.”

But the court noted that the law did not give it the option of not confiscating the man's deposit and guarantee or not ordering his rearrest.

The accused confirmed his guilty plea, after it was explained to him that it would mean the loss of the money and his freedom.

In view of his admission, Aquilina was fined €950. The court also ordered the confiscation of his €500 bail deposit and €2,000 personal guarantee and ordered his rearrest.