Acquitted of injuring niece

A man was yesterday acquitted of injuring his niece and damaging three cars during an argument after a magistrate found that the niece's testimony was not credible.

Anthony Desira had originally been charged with slightly injuring Caroline Mifsud Bonnici and damaging three cars on December 15, 2000. The court heard that there had been tension between the two families for quite some time.

Ms Mifsud Bonnici testified that on the day of the incident her mother Catherine had called her to say that Mr Desira had damaged three cars belonging to family members. Ms Mifsud Bonnici went to Mr Desira's garage where he hit her and her car with a gardening fork.

The court ruled that Ms Mifsud Bonnici's testimony was not credible because the injuries she had sustained and the damage caused to her car were not compatible with what she had recounted.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli subsequently acquitted Mr Desira of all charges.

Police Inspector Alfred Mallia prosecuted.

Lawyer Robert Abela was defence counsel.