Updated | PM ‘disgusted’ by constable’s actions, Nationalists say Muscat ‘weak’

The Prime Minister has expressed “anger and disgust” over last night’s incident which saw a police officer, detailed as the security drive for home affairs minister Manuel Mallia, firing three shots following a traffic incident.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat was reported to have spoken to Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia, both agreeing that “strong action” should be taken against Mallia’s escort, Paul Sheehan.

“The Prime Minister is angry and disgusted over yesterday’s incident. The Minister also expressed the same sentiment during a meeting [Muscat and Mallia] held this afternoon,” the OPM said.

“The situation as escalated yesterday is unacceptable. There is no place for individuals who use their position in an abusive and excessive manner.”

The OPM said Muscat spoke with Mallia and both agreed that strong action should be taken against Sheehan. The man has been fired from the ministry and was immediately suspended from the Police Force.

“In this case, the person in question has breached the trust of the minister,” the OPM added.

The Office of the Prime Minister said the PM will await the outcome of a magisterial inquiry.

In a reaction, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil accused Muscat of showing “weakness in front of the abuse of power”.

“If the PM wants to be credible in that he is really angry and disgusted over what happened, he should have the courage to take the necessary action. The only step he should be taking is to fire Manuel Mallia, caught lying to cover up the incident,” Busuttil said.

Both the Nationalist Opposition and Alternattiva Demokratika are calling for Manuel Mallia’s resignation. According to PN leader Simon Busuttil, Mallia’s position was no longer tenable.

Sheehan fired at a Scotsman’s car while giving chase, after the car allegedly hit the minister’s parked vehicle.

Busuttil said that unless Muscat sacks Mallia, it will be the PN to take “necessary action” although he did not delve into what action the Opposition could take on the matter.

At least two shots were fired at a speeding car involved in a hit-and-run with a ministerial vehicle.

A photo published by MaltaToday shows a bullet hole above the rear windscreen, in the car's roof, and another in the rear bumper.

The minister’s car had been parked in Gzira on Thursday while Mallia was, at that time, attending an official function at the police headquarters in Floriana.

The minister’s driver fired at least two shots at Scotsman Stephen Smith’s Opel Insignia vehicle after it hit the car and then sped away, at around 8:45pm. The driver gave chase.

It was alleged that Smith had been driving under the influence of alcohol, and threatened the minister’s driver with a beer bottle.