Six months jail, €5,000 fine for assaulting Community Officer

A man has been jailed for six months and slapped with a €5,000 fine for slightly injuring a Community Officer during the course of his duties. 

42-year-old Loreto Portelli had been accused of slightly injuring the officer, insulting and threatening him, violently resisting the Community Officer and damaging his uniform, as well as breaching the peace, following an altercation which took place at Triq Ghar Dalam, Birzebbugia on March 20.

Portelli is understood to have attacked the official after a verbal exchange which occurred as he was cautioned over a minor infraction.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges and prosecuting inspector Roderick Attard did not object to defence lawyer Clint Tabone’s suggestion of a suspended sentence.

But magistrate Marseanne Farrugia had other ideas, sending the man to prison for six months and fining him €5,000 for the crimes.

Tabone gave notice of appeal.