63-year-old accused of raping grandchildren

dbugeja

Aug 12th 2008, 15:52

EITHER PUT HIM IN JAIL FOR THE REST OF LIFE AND THROW THE KEYS AWAY OR
PUT HIS PHOTO AND NAME TO PROTECT OTHER CHILDREN.

hope he didnt go out on bail

A.Magri

Aug 12th 2008, 10:06

I find these catholic ramblings almost as disturbing as the crime itself.

If murder is the worst possible crime then these children have had their lives taken away from them at such an early age. How dare you (Joseph Schembri) quote the bible in such a scenario?

Life is hard and the only way to make it better is to keep these monsters locked up in the deepest dungeon. The horror stories experienced should be made public to discourage such behaviour.

I think that the children deserve more than a 'Heq, I admit' or a '"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone".

Joseph Schembri

Aug 12th 2008, 08:55

Of course I do not condone what allegedly took place and I abhor rape, child molestation and incest. But what most people are doing here is nothing short of a public lynching. Please stop and read the terrible things that some of you are saying. In my opinion the worst crime possible is murder and that is what many here are proposing.

j.spiteri

Aug 12th 2008, 01:41

clearly this man needs help! im not saying that he shouldnt be punished because he deserves the worst of punishments for his crime. but before we start pointing fingers and 'condeming' him to a life behind bars and cheap meals, we should take a bit of a look inside his brain and see if he is sick. most of the people who have done such things are proven to be psychologically unstable and in need of some sort of treatment. there was no need to bring the bible into the conversation. it has nothing to do with it! it is simply a matter of science to proove what is wrong with the mans mind. a man who can bring himself to rape his granddaughters, and the young ones at that, has got to have a few screws missing. either that or he needs to upgrade his tv to satellite....maybe he needs to find something better to do.

H. J. A.

Aug 11th 2008, 23:08

Such species should be castrated and isolated on an island; Filfla.

Corinne Vella

Aug 11th 2008, 23:06

Why were the girls in this man's care in the first place?

Alexander Morana

Aug 11th 2008, 21:12

Gee is Malta becoming the Sodom & Gomorrah of the Med?
22 pimps young girl, grandfather 63 years old rapes three grandchildren.
Drunken brawls and fits fight at Hamrun during San Gaejtan’s feast!
Some Christian faith?

shaun camilleri

Aug 11th 2008, 18:52

'Mr' Schembri how can you condone such an asct? Could it be that the person accused is your relative? Or are you one of those people who would like to see the age of consent lowered down as much as possible. So that it can be lowered again at a later date.

If you are saying let those who have not sinned cast the first stone it sounds as if you yourself does not want to be condemed.That is my impression. You are basically sayig s what, no is perfect.

mario sciberras

Aug 11th 2008, 17:37

I am no judje but if pepole want to quote articles from the bible let me remined them of another bit that was said from jesus christ him self,whoever stumbles one of these little ones who put faith in me,it is more beneficial for him to have hung around his neck a millstone such as is turned by an ass and to be sunck in the wide, open sea.

R. Bartolo

Aug 11th 2008, 16:29

I don't believe in all this mob-violence attitudem but Joseph Schembri saying "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone" is utterly stupid. If you feel like quoting that book the bible, so can I.

"But whoever stumbles one of these little ones who put faith in me, it is more beneficial for him to have hung around his neck a millstone such as is turned by an ass and to be sunk in the wide, open sea."
Matthew 18:6

Not that I really care what the bible says, but if you're going to quote it, quote all of it. That would be fun.

C. Farrugia

Aug 11th 2008, 14:12

@ Joseph Schembri and his quote: *"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone"**

I really wonder how readily and easily you would have quoted that, had the kids involved been yours....and the accused man your own father.

Sinclair Calleja

Aug 11th 2008, 13:26

@ Joseph Schembri (who said "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone")

If I had a stone available and you were in proximity, I would throw it at you. I never raped anybody, let alone 3 young and underage kids. Shame on you for justifying this monster's protection.

Donna Degaetano

Aug 11th 2008, 12:19

@ Joseph Schembri
True, no-one can say truthfully that he has never sinned. But, being a mother of two small kids, I cannot find it in me not to judge someone who has commited such a horrific deed on innocent children.

Ray Gatt

Aug 11th 2008, 12:01

A Abela, do you think these people are only found in Christian countries? And why drag religion into it?

Malcolm Tortell

Aug 11th 2008, 10:56

As much as this is an abhorrent crime the whole matter of having a sex offenders register is actually not that clear cut. People have made the case for having one but if it is made public it can lead to hate/revenge crimes. Now there are some who might say "serves him right" but can a civilised society take such a stand? Its also possible that putting someone on a register leads to even more abuse being perpetrated, out of revenge and spite as has happened in other countries. I am just pointing out the pros and cons of this and not taking any particular position.

E Fitouri

Aug 11th 2008, 10:51

@ Joseph Schembri

So what is the justice system there for then?
Sure, pray for this man for forgiveness from the All Mighty, because he's going to need alot of prayers. Here on Earth though, we have a system by which we keep dangerous people off the streets. Let us hope this system doesn't fail us.

effie carboaro

Aug 11th 2008, 10:38

@Joseph Schembri
this is not a sin but a crime.zero tolerance should be used on this man for not to have only committed a crime but perhaps to have destroyed morally 3 children. so Joseph Schembri do you think god would have classified these rapes on your phrase He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone?

sabine grech

Aug 11th 2008, 10:14

Would it help the children to publish his name??? I dont think so.. and anyone thinks that this is the only case in Malta ? Who takes care of them now ? will they ever be able to live a happy life . That freak destroyed at least 3 lifes .
I would like to ask him if he went to church every sunday and if so WHY ??????

By the way completely agree with laurence schembri

Stephen Sammut

Aug 11th 2008, 10:13

I reckon his name should be published, Abroad, they have a sex offenders' list for each town so people will know if their children are safe or not. We do not have such a system here, so atleast let people know who they are, so we can be aware.

PHILIP PACE

Aug 11th 2008, 09:31

To all those who have written their thoughts about this evil thing it is a wake up call as this has been happening in the past.
Internet and TV have got nothing to do with this.
Rape has been going around for centuries.
The only problem is that the victim has to testify in court in front of all what happened and I/m sure it's not an easy thing to do. One can sense and feel the tantamount trauma that the poor victim is passing through as she/he has to repeat what happened for so many times as if she/he are on a looping playback in their mind.
Cases like these happen constantly and victims are afraid to lodge a report as they feel ashamed, beaten, dirty and no self esteem.

Incest is a crime. It happened in the past and not by the low Maltese only. Far from it.

What has happened to the case of the Gozitan Nuns? Have the authorites come to a conclusion?
I am very eager to know!
Or because they are nuns the story shall be hushed up, forgotten and swept under the carpet and nobody would like to bring it in the news

A Abela

Aug 11th 2008, 08:14

Is this the end of Christianity?

Joseph Schembri

Aug 11th 2008, 07:56

"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone"

Charles Belli

Aug 11th 2008, 07:53

I fully agree that the names of rapists, paedophiles and sex offenders being published. This is to protect the names of the children and victims who already suffered a lot. It will also stop the media from cashing in from the sufferings of the poor victims. There is a foolproof solution to this disgusting crime. Jail them for life with a break of few days in hospital to be castrated.

Mary-Anne Attard

Aug 11th 2008, 00:29

I hope he doesn't get away with it and get put in jail ,and not in Mount Carmel.I also agree with what George Falzon said, i feel sorry for that girl that her dad's name was published, maybe the police department realized they made a mistake in the first place ,and they are trying not to mess this one up.

Elaine Fitouri

Aug 10th 2008, 23:49

Child abusers often think that they could get away with it by threatening the child or children with what will happen to them should they tell anyone. I'm so so glad that these children have spoken up. I'm so glad that the people around them have listened to them and I hope that this disgusting man gets a nice welcome when he's shown to his cell mates in corradino.

The children have been through a very bad trauma, but thank god, this will not happen ever to them again and they can go on with re-building their lives rather than keep such a horrible dark secret for years and years to come. Someone said.. "what is this world coming to?!" ... well, incest in this country is shockingly common. About time children are taught to report it. About time victims spoke up. About time justice was served.. and one trial and sentence for 3 crimes is NOT justice!

Denis Catania

Aug 10th 2008, 23:39

The problem is that if you publish his name. Then you will be revealing his granddaughters identity. I would give him a life sentence. Since he gets the benefit of having his name unpublished. So he would never do it again.

Vincent Galea

Aug 10th 2008, 23:33

We hold the footballer of the year, worker of the year, ideal housewife of the year.Why don't we now organize a grand buffet at the Upper Barakka gardens and make The Beast of the Year.......next to the old lifts!

C. Farrugia

Aug 10th 2008, 23:32

News like these are not surprising, but they are always SHOCKING! Two of the children are 6 and 8 respectively. Do these perpetrators who abuse young children, even their OWN grandchildren, ever stop to think and realize the impact on the physical, emotional and psychological effect on their victims??? Maybe even for the rest of the lives! No matter how long he stays in jail if/when sentenced.... the trauma and nightmare of the kids themselves, and their parents, will ALWAYS be much worse.

Francis Attard

Aug 10th 2008, 23:24

I really cannot understand what leads someone to commit such a humiliating, disgusting and horrible crime.

Saviour Cauchi Jr.

Aug 10th 2008, 21:44

He RAPED 3 (THREE) GRANDCHILDREN, not one but three, so he should be sentenced 3 (three) seperate times. In Malta, for some reason, people who commit harsh crimes, get the shortest jail terms

George Falzon

Aug 10th 2008, 21:32

Pleaded guilty and name not published. This is fair for the children who already suffered a lot. However, some weeks ago the Commissioner of Police made public the name of a person who was still simply "being invesigated" in connection with the alleged corruption of his daughter. This is the one who died while in police custody. Here no concern for the poor child was shown! Unbelievable!

I Abela

Aug 10th 2008, 21:18

The man's name cannot be published because the newspapers seek sensationalism in their headlines. If the title read something like "63 Year Old man accused of Rape" it would be easier to publish his name and protect the victims. The court should ban the publishing of the culprits relationship to the victims rather than his name.

Maria Pace

Aug 10th 2008, 21:11

A child abuser is not sick.He knows what he is doing and he is very much aware that he is abusing. He takes advantage of a helpless child who is in no way to blame.Children trust a member of the family.
This person took control of the children . This is a question of power over young minors. Who knows if he has already abused others outside the family? The stories you hear about sexual abuse within the family are incredible.
Dear parents, please teach your children about what is safe and what is not safe for another person to do to them,
And Most Important do check on the children when you visit the family home (nanna) on Sundays or whenever the children are "playing". Yes, parent, go check what the chidren are doing and do it often.
The children must be protected and they must also be followed psychologically.
This will be a very tough time for the parents ,indeed for all the family.

Victoria Grech

Aug 10th 2008, 20:56

So I ask: we have yet another sex offender of the worst type, i.e. real life sex offences against children and next of kin. yet to date, the law has not been amended and any sex related offence is treated under the same category irrelevant whether they are in the flesh or online/pictures, adults or minors, related, known to the offender or not known to the offender. this does not leave much room for the best sentencing practices applicable to each case. When is Malta going to have a proper Sex Offenders Act?

R. Bartolo

Aug 10th 2008, 20:50

Paul Agius
"I blame the internet and satellite TV for this."

So since you are writing this message on the internet, than I will safely assume that you are a paedophile too?
Please, do not be ridiculous! You make me laugh.

laurence schembri

Aug 10th 2008, 20:31

@ Marc Mealclaff
Marc, he pleaded guilty to the rape. One thing I like to ask: Is incest a crime?

paul smith

Aug 10th 2008, 20:29

@ mark mealclaff
Look closely. It says 'he pleaded guilty'

vincent a galea

Aug 10th 2008, 20:24

Eh Mark Mealclaff !! Are you living on the moon? Who wrote the comment for you? Because if you cannot read English, dont know how you can write it!! THE CULPRIT PLEADED GUILTY !!!!!!!!

etienne grima

Aug 10th 2008, 20:15

@ paul muscat
i do hope for him to leave corradino in 20 years
but in a box :-))

charles grech

Aug 10th 2008, 20:08

of course this is revolting and he should be punished accordingly. please parents educate your children as to the abuses that exist and particularly the possibility of abuses within the family circle. unfortunately this kind of crime does happen on our islands therefore let us begin by taking all the measures we can as parents not to let our children be exposed to such monsters.

mark mealclaff

Aug 10th 2008, 20:05

Has any one ever heard the phrase:
Innocent until proven Guilty.

AT present these are only accusations

Joanne Muscat

Aug 10th 2008, 20:05

He should be jailed for life and has his name published. He should be ashamed of himself and I do not believe these type of people are sick.

Paul Muscat

Aug 10th 2008, 20:03

Hope this Monster will never leave corradino !!

A Camilleri

Aug 10th 2008, 19:50

Earlier this week someone commented that "One characteristic of our country we seem to forget is its safety." Yeah sure!, go and tell that to the children.

Michael Spiteri

Aug 10th 2008, 19:46

Now after hearing what to do with male paedophiles, what would you do to a woman child molester? Sew them up? I also believe that there are quite a few of them around too.

D Farrugia

Aug 10th 2008, 19:44

They dont publish his name so as to protect the identity of the grandchildren and not to protect him so i agree not to publish his name. Plastering his name all over is like plastering the kids name all over!!! They already suffered much do we want them to suffer more in the public eye!!?? Do we want them to live in society's pity?? so come on people! The people that matter now know who he is and that's enough.

I hope they tear the animal up in jail like they do to child molestors all over the world.

Eric Gahn

Aug 10th 2008, 19:42

What this man did is inexcusable but thatnk God in this country we do not have the death penalty. Or is Mr Seychell vying to be the next recepient of a Gaddhafi Human Rights award?

Paul Agius

Aug 10th 2008, 19:36

I blame the internet and satellite TV for this. Hope the wording 'raping' wanted to mean just touching their parts rather than actually doing a sexual act.

Malcolm Seychell

Aug 10th 2008, 19:33

If he is sick then he should remain in jail forever till his death

laurence schembri

Aug 10th 2008, 19:25

Please understand, this is a small island and the children have to be protected.
If I had my choice I will castrate him, clinically.

etienne grima

Aug 10th 2008, 19:24

i hope there is a place worst then hell for this guy
i would rather go mentally insane then to do the things this person did
if i am the father of these 3 children and il know that my father did this to them
il probably have a 20 year sentence up on my head

Andrew Camilleri

Aug 10th 2008, 19:20

Let's not forget that the victims are relatives of the offender. Thus to publish his name would also identify the victim's identity which would be somewhat unfair.

Melissa Bagley

Aug 10th 2008, 19:15

Yes, Bill, my sentiments exactly. I just can't get it.

alison debattista

Aug 10th 2008, 19:15

he should be hanged in front of square full of people cheering, not hide his identity!!!!!!!!!!!

D Fenech

Aug 10th 2008, 19:13

Not 1 BUT 3......GRANDAUGHTERS!

SHAME ON HIM AND THE LAW COURTS FOR PROTECTING HIS NAME!

NOW DON'T TELL US HE IS SICK!

HE IS A DISGUSTING PIG! and i apologise to all pigs!

David Thake

Aug 10th 2008, 19:12

Crimes against children always evoke our darkest emotions, especially if we are parents.

However, I am in favour of these criminals having their details witheld. They have already caused incalculable harm to their victims, to say nothing of the shock, anger and betrayal that they cause their family to feel.

To add publicity to this list of punishments that the victims and their families would be cruel.

vincent a galea

Aug 10th 2008, 19:11

Unfortunately his granddaughters must be protected, thereby his name is not divulged. Although Malta is so small that if one really wants to know who he is, it will be quite easy. As far as I am concerned I have no wish to know who this monster is.
The electronic device should be clamped not on his ankle but round SOMETHING ELSE. He should be imprisoned and the key thrown away...........

J Attard

Aug 10th 2008, 19:08

Make Public so that every person can watch his wear-abouts or keep him locked

Lara Trapani

Aug 10th 2008, 19:06

When are we going to set up a sex offenders list in this country?

J.M. Chapelle

Aug 10th 2008, 19:06

Horrible! Could someone please paste his name all over this website (much like the other pedophile involved with false advertising and tuition - i forget his name). These degenerates do not deserve the sanctuary of anonimity.

On a lighter noe, looks like Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani has had quite a busy day! :)

Mario Debono

Aug 10th 2008, 19:03

What's the use of this news item if the person's name cannot be published. In my opinion, it's sensationalism at its best.

Malcolm Seychell

Aug 10th 2008, 18:57

Nation Sex Offenders Register should be made public and not accessable to few people

Such criminals who I wouldn't mind they get the death penalty should be known by every citizen.

Bill Millam

Aug 10th 2008, 18:51

This criminal PLEADS GUILTY and his name cannot be publsihed!?!?!?!
What a farce the judicial/court system in Malta is! His name should be plastered all over the island for everyone to see. He should have an electronic device clamped on his ankle permanently to monitor hsi everyone movement once he has served his sentence and he should also have the honor of being listed in the Nation Sex Offenders Register, that is when Malta finally gets one! Let's just hope that the comical court system in Malta does not let this scumbag out with a suspended jail sentence as his punishment!
Shame on this a-hole for the horrendous crime he admitted to committing and more so when he was supposed to be responsible for the care, saftey and well-being for his grandkids.
This story makes me feel like I wanna throw up. Shame, Shame, Shame!

Bill Millam
Los Angeles