Judge Raymond Pace resigns from bench

Judge and acting chief justice Raymond Pace has tendered his resignation to President of the Republic George Abela earlier this afternoon.

MaltaToday is reliably informed that Pace was in tears as he handed his resignation to the President, in a very short meeting. He was immediately returned to his holding cell at Mount Carmel Hospital's forensic ward where he is currently being held under preventitive custody.

The move comes after Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he expected both Pace and Judge Lino Farrugia Sacco to resign.

After an emergency Cabinet meeting on Saturday morning, Gonzi presented Speaker of the House Michael Frendo with two impeachment motions against the two judges.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, Abela received Pace at around 3pm at the San Anton Palace during which the beleaguered judge presented his letter of resignation.

"In his letter, Raymond Pace declared that, irrespective of the final outcome of the criminal case against him or any possible further developments, he recognised that his position as judge is no longer tenable".

The Court of Magistrates gave its authorisation for the meeting to take place.

Speaker of the House Michael Frendo has also been informed over Pace's resignation.