Accused of threatening seven policemen

A 28-year-old man was yesterday charged with threatening seven police officers in an incident that spanned over three-and-a-half hours.

Sandro Degabriele, 28, of Rabat pleaded not guilty to threatening the policemen, driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol and failing to take a breathalyser test.

He also pleaded not guilty to driving without a licence and insurance cover.

Lawyer Leon Bencini, for Mr Degabriele, asked Magistrate Joseph Cassar for bail but Police Inspector Mario Tonna objected adding that Mr Degabriele himself had told him he (the accused) was "afflicted by alcohol" problems and did not know what he did when he drank. Magistrate Cassar granted the accused bail on condition he only leaves his home to go to work and that he signs daily at the Rabat police station.

He was further bound by a Lm500 deposit and a Lm500 personal guarantee.

Earlier, Dr Bencini was fined Lm25 for failing to turn up on time to represent Mr Degabriele. Just as Magistrate Cassar was about to defer the case, Dr Bencini arrived in court and explained that he had been caught up in another case.

Police Inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted.