Appeals Court modifies judgment

A man yesterday had a two-and-a-half-year jail term reduced to 10 months for seriously injuring a woman when he intervened in a fight between her and the woman he lived with.

The Magistrates' Court had jailed Joseph Azzopardi for seriously injuring Rita Ebejer when he intervened in a fight between her and Caroline Bianco.

Chief Justice Vincent DeGaetano, in the Appeals Court, heard how eyewitnesses testified that Azzopardi beat Ebejer but also heard Azzopardi and Bianco testify he did not lift a finger on Ebejer.

On evaluating the case, the judge ruled that a 10-month jail term was sufficient in the circumstances. He also noted he did not believe the version given by Azzopardi and Bianco and ordered the police to investigate them for perjury.

Dr Vince Galea appeared for Azzopardi.