Cleared of defamation

Two Swieqi brothers have been cleared of defamation after a court ruled that the charge could hardly subsist when the circumstances showed that they had simply gone to make a complaint. Mario and David Schembri, 41 and 39, were acquitted by Magistrate...

Two Swieqi brothers have been cleared of defamation after a court ruled that the charge could hardly subsist when the circumstances showed that they had simply gone to make a complaint.

Mario and David Schembri, 41 and 39, were acquitted by Magistrate Dennis Montebello of defaming John Azzopardi in Valletta on May 14 last year.

The court heard how the two believed Azzopardi was trying to communicate with their mother and they went to see Dr Philip Farrugia Randon to ask him to convince his client to desist.

The court ruled that this did not constitute defamation.

Police Inspector Pierre Micallef-Grimaud prosecuted.

Dr Emmanuel Mallia and Dr Giannella Caruana Curran appeared for the defendants.

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