Updated | Gozo lawyer fined for sending vulgar messages to newspaper editor

Alfred Grech, a 60-year-old lawyer, was fined €3,000 for sending vulgar messages to Illum editor Julia Farrugia on her mobile phone.

However, he was cleared of sexually harassing her since the police issued charges under the wrong law.

Grech was charged with sexual harassment under the Equality of Men and Women Act, which deals with harassment in the context of the workplace, instead of harassment under the Criminal Code.
The case was heard by Magistrate Edwina Grima. Farrugia had testified that she did not know who the accused was and that this was the first time she had seen him.

The journalist presented transcripts of the lewd SMSs she had received, and testified that the accused repeatedly sent the short messages without ever identifying himself when asked.

Farrugia had then filed a report to the Commissioner of Police.

A representative from a telecommunications firm also testified, confirming that the said SMSs had been sent from the number belonging to Grech.

The lawyer had previously contested the general elections as a PN candidate back in 1981, and then as a local council candidate in 2004.

In court, Grech admitted sending the messages but said they were intended for someone else, insisting that he mistakenly selected Farrugia’s number instead of that of another woman. He also apologised to Farrugia, adding the decision to send a second message was a moment of madness.

The magistrate ruled there was no doubt that the accused intentionally used his phone to send the indecent messages but the court had no choice but to clear him of the charge since it was filed under the wrong law.

The magistrate noted that the accused was a lawyer who should set an example on how to respect the law and went on to fine Grech €3,000 and referred the case to the Commission for the Administration of Justice. Grech was also ordered not to approach Farrugia for two years against a fine of €500.

Lawyer Alex Sciberras appeared for Farrugia, while the Grech was represented by lawyer Anton Refalo. The prosecution was led by Inspector Josric Mifsud.