Suspended jail term

A 60-year-old man was yesterday given an eight-month jail term suspended for two years after he admitted to driving his car against the door of a bar because he felt cheated by the man who ran the establishment.

Emanuel Camilleri pleaded guilty to causing more than €1,165 (Lm500) in damage to the door of Brooklyn Bar in Żejtun and causing more than €116.50 (Lm50) in damage to a police car on April, 18, 2005.

Testifying, Mr Camilleri explained that Louis Spiteri, who ran the bar, had tried to sell him a gold bracelet for €1,048.50 (Lm450). He initially turned down the offer but eventually bought it for €582.50 (Lm250).

Soon after he purchased the bracelet, he saw Mr Spiteri wave his hand and felt someone hit him on the head. He fell on the floor and was kicked by Mr Spiteri. After the incident, Mr Camilleri could no longer find the bracelet that he had just bought and so felt cheated.

That was why he later rammed the bar door with his car, Mr Camilleri said.

When asked why he had damaged the police car, he said he could not remember doing so and offered to pay any damages.

Mr Camilleri, who was also charged with stealing mobile top-up cards and cash from the bar, was acquitted because the prosecution failed to prove that he had actually taken the items.

Police Inspectors Carmelo Magri and Johann Fenech prosecuted.