Hotel manager accused of defiling boy

Amanda Mallia

Aug 26th 2008, 00:17

Gerald Fenech - You don't need brains to Google a court case of a certain date - Simply Google the magistrate's name, the date the sentence was handed down, and the word "hati", eg "magistrat antonio vella 22 april 2008 hati", and ... Voila'!

Gerald Fenech

Aug 23rd 2008, 20:48

@Amanda Mallia. Why not get some journalist investigate and reveal the name of the offender like you did with the weatherman?

P Bonnici

Aug 23rd 2008, 18:36

Naming the adult need not imply dIsclosing the minor's identity. The report did not state that the boy was a nephew or a son or a colleague. So I see no reason why the man's name is not published.

On the contrary, his name should be published as this may inspire other victims of his (if any) to come forward.

And what a ridiculous amount of money for a guarantee !! Its probably cheaper than procuring the sexual services of a prostitute.

dbugeja

Aug 23rd 2008, 18:26

why do we have to be so sensitive and make such an issue about what guze xerri said that the accused being homosexual peodiphile. he would have said the same thing if the accused was heterosexual. what is bad is bad either done by a heterosexual or by a homosexual.

the same thing if one mention an accused as being a coloured person. we say that we are racist.

John Schembri

Aug 23rd 2008, 17:18

A 14 year old is a minor , still a boy .
The alleged homosexual paedophile should have looked for a consenting adult partner.

C Lewis

Aug 23rd 2008, 16:23

I do not agree with the age of consent thing...You know what you are doing at the age of 13 and when its consensual sex then it shouldnt be a crime. There is a difference between 2 teenagers having sex (which happens people) and a full grown older man having sex with children.... who are forced into it. A man who has sex with a child does it for years.... We shouldnt label teenagers with these pedoephiles as that is not right there is a difference between consentual sex and forced sex.
@Mr Schembri how can you tell if this child was forced or not?? From a article with 5 sentences???? You must be psychic.

Joseph Schembri

Aug 23rd 2008, 13:41

I know of a case where a 17 year old girl accused her 20 year old boyfriend of 'defiling' her after she had been dumped by same boy friend. And our busy bodies went on to arrest and accuse this young man of defilement of minors! As a start I believe that our age of consent (set at 18 at present) should be more in line with that of the European average. It will save the police and courts lots of resources and above all many families lots of heartbreak!

Joseph Schembri

Aug 23rd 2008, 13:40

As for those who are naive enough to think that a 14 year old can be 'pure and simple': brush up on your basic Freud and later look up 'Manchusen syndrome'. Even scientists like Richard Dawkins in his ground breaking book ' The Selfish Gene' state that we are born selfish ('evil' in the eyes of the prevailing mentality) and that it takes a lot of effort from third parties to teach younger people to behave in what is considered 'an acceptable manner' by the prevailing culture. As shocking as it may be to parents (as if our children will tell us what they really think or what they really get up to!) very young people do think a lot about sexual matters and willfully engage in certain behaviour. Rape is a terrible crime but it doesn't sound to me that this young man was forced into anything.

Marcel Dingli

Aug 23rd 2008, 12:35

Joseph Schembri is right. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty should prevail. As for myself I suffered irrepairable damage for being charged ( some accusations purely invented) and found not guilty. The position is, the Police can charge anyone for anything with little or no redress for the accused. On the other hand, when guilt is proven, such as in this case, punishment should be harsh.

E Bajada

Aug 23rd 2008, 12:02

Spot On Mr Schembri .If it wasnt so pathetic it would be funny .The law in Malta i was told recently works on a Continental Basis not a European Basis as one would expect from a so called European Country .From the top to the bottom the Maltese Court System needs a complete overhaul .

laurence schembri

Aug 23rd 2008, 11:45

The Law is an ass. So we have a 58 year old man serving an 18 year jail sentence for cultivating a grade 2 drug (Cannabis) and alleged peodophiles roaming around, in all probabilities not even under survelliance. What`s next?

Joseph Schembri

Aug 23rd 2008, 10:14

I strongly believe that the names of people accused of anything should never be published. (Presumption of innocence and all that). To all those people calling out for the publication of this man's name: I find your morbid interest in perverse sexual acts and those who allegedly commit them, disturbing.

Luckily for us we happen to live in a place on Earth (Europe) which is very atypical of most other places on this planet. It has taken us centuries to arrive at this level of civilisation. I find that there is still much to be done. Now some of you want to resort 'il qrati tal poplu' as made notorious by KMB in the 80s!

Antoine Vella

Aug 23rd 2008, 00:37

From the little information that this news item gives us, I believe that the Court banned the disclosure of the accused's name only to protect the boy and not because the accused is innocent until proven guilty.

After all, persons who are accused of other crimes are readily mentioned by name in the media, even if their guilt has not yet been proven.

John Schembri

Aug 23rd 2008, 00:12

@Albert Gauci Cunningham : I cannot understand your attack on Guze Xerri , a person who has sex with another person of the same sex is a homosexual (accepted); an adult who 'likes' (has sex) with a child is a paedophile.It follows that a man who has sex with a boy is a homosexual paedophile.
No one is stating that homosexuals are paedophiles .Guze' wanted to be specific.
I believe that for a 14 year old boy it is far more a traumatic experience with a male adult then with a woman. Mind you I consider both actions to be wrong.
Up to this stage I believe that names should not be published. What if the accused person is found to be innocent?
@ John Camilleri : the journalist gave you all the information s/he could without breaching the court order.It is up to us as parents to keep on the lookout.

Amanda Mallia

Aug 22nd 2008, 22:25

What was the hotel manager's previous occupation? Religion teacher at a private school? - Just asking!

This is precisely why the names of paedophiles should be made public. People (especially caregivers/parents and the children themselves) have a right to know who these people are.

Using the excuse of not naming the "to protect the identity of the victims" only serves to create more such victims in the long-run.

C Lewis

Aug 22nd 2008, 17:50

I dont understand how no one can believe that these things do happen in Malta.... How can you write that the child, i am referring to M Fenech, saying that he was tired of his sugar daddy i mean that is disgusting. Do you not know what pedoephiles do and how they brain wash and threaten children telling them that if they talk they will have consequences. I mean how dare you M Fenech!
The name of this person should be released when convicted as should the names of other pedoephiles that have already been convicted, like they do in the rest of the world. This is an exsisting problem in Malta and should be faced not letting these people go with a slap on their wrist free to wander the streets as if they have never done anything.... A pedoephile is worse than a murderer as he has ruined a childs life and his or her upcoming adult hood having to live not knowing who to trust and with memories of what was done to him or her.

dbugeja

Aug 22nd 2008, 15:40

Until the accused be found guilty ,yes his name should be protected.
But if he is proved guilty than he should be tagged and marked on sex offender list.
Other people who have children has the right to know where to send their children.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Aug 22nd 2008, 14:59

guze Xerri----any paedophile is a criminal whether homosexual or heterosexual............yes this guy might be gay and his alleged crime is disgusting!!!!! We gay people have had enough labels from "catholic' people the last thing we need is someone who through his own ignorance or through his irrationality implies that pedophiles are gays or vice versa!!
.

Bella Camilleri

Aug 22nd 2008, 14:42

PLEASE can you all stop pointing fingers. Start commenting when the judge decides.

John Camilleri

Aug 22nd 2008, 14:34

If for phantom reasons at this stage the man's name is not published, why mention the the case in the media? To add insult to injury why mention that he is a Hotel Manager and the hotel he works for is a five-star hotel? What news value is there in mentioning that he is a hotel manager and that he works in a five-star hotel? Just say that he is a man, but I deem that at this stage either the name should have been published or else if the person in question is still under investigation, it should not be published at all!

Bill Millam

Aug 22nd 2008, 14:17

So what if the accused has a full-time job and lives with his parents? He did not take that into consideration when he committed the alleged despicable crime he is accused of so why should the court show any leniancy towards him, when he sure showed no kindness towards his victim!
When will Malta start treating child molestors as the beasts that they are and impose the harshest of sentences on these scumbags? How about that Sex Offenders Register? Isn't it time that Malta joins the rest of the civilized world in protecting its law-abiding citizens?

Bill Millam
Los Angeles

Joe Galea

Aug 22nd 2008, 13:52

@Guze Xerri: What does Paedophilia has to do with Homosexuality? Since you seem to be an expert enlighten us pls!!

K Xuereb

Aug 22nd 2008, 12:21

@ Malcolm Micallef and others who are clamouring for naming and shaming.

Completely disagree with you at this stage. The man is ACCUSED, not CONVICTED of this crime. At this point, disclosure of the name of the accused would only serve to destroy his life and even he's innocent it would be too late.

I don't believe in this 'protection of the victim' standard excuse for ordering a ban on publication. More often than not it protects the perpetrator. If he's found guilty, only THEN, as a citizen and a father, I expect to know who this sicko is.

@Charles Micallef. I see your point though and the disclosure of the accused's occupation is rather unfortunate. All the more reason for the authorities to disclose the identity of the perpetrator if found guilty.

M Fenech

Aug 22nd 2008, 11:59

the article said the man participated in sexual acts with the boy......quite a difference from forcing himself onto him. And it seems it happened more than once- quite dubious and arises questions like.... maybe the boy tired of his sugar daddy?

Stephen Saliba

Aug 22nd 2008, 11:41

I think the issue here is that it shows a desperate underlining of the little faith we Maltese have developed in our justice system. Our hurredness to try to name and shame people is equally matched by the lethargy with which some of our courts regretabbly move. Justice has to be seen to be done to be effective and allowing similar cases to stretch for eons results in typical responses we see here. If this case goes to court and the person- whoever he is - is found guilty in 5 years time .. well ...
Meanwhile I agree with the contrast underlined by Victor Vella earlier on in the contrast with which some issues are treated (compare name and shame for a VAT omission with this!)
Any way the fact that the perpetrator is taken to court is no confirmation of guilt 'per se'.

Ray Gatt

Aug 22nd 2008, 10:17

Gary Glitter (Paul Gadd) was released from a Vietnamese jail on Tuesday after serving nearly three years for committing obscene acts with two girls aged 11 and 12 (Guze Xerri please note). On his return to London, he was made to sign the sex offenders register. The disgraced singer will have to tell police where he intends to live and notify them if he moves. He may also be monitored by police and the probation service under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements. Should we not have something on the same lines in our country if we want to keep these beasts away from our children. I'm by no means implying that this hotel manager is guilty, as there's our legal system to decide that. But if found guilty and after he's served time for his illegal and immoral acts he's out on our street, should we not control his movements and those of others who have the same addiction.

Charles Micallef

Aug 22nd 2008, 09:11

The way that this case is reported, is very unfair to the dozen or so Managers in the 5 star sector, as the guessing game will now commence.......... !. The court might be protecting the accused by not naming him, but did anyone think that by doing so, cast a shadow on the rest...

Malcolm Mifsud

Aug 22nd 2008, 08:58

It doesn't make sense not revealing who the offender is. The scar will remain with the victim throughout his/her whole life. The only satisfaction a victim can have is if the offender pays for what he has committed just like the victim has to carry the trauma for the rest of his life. Victims should be asked if they want the perpetrator's identity to be revealed. God forbid if it's one of my kids who has to go through this! Bail and guarantee my foot!

Joe Galea

Aug 22nd 2008, 08:34

But did the boy consent to the sexual act? Being 14 years old doesn't mean he is a pure angel. there are 14 year olds who are already parents, just go in schools. Even the title suggets that the boy consented for the act. i agree that the defiler should be punished as he had sex with a minor, but we should all both sides of the coin before judging.

Franco Farrugia

Aug 22nd 2008, 08:17

@ guze xerri - It's not a question of political correctness. It's a question of you not showing off that you have such stupid ideas and unable to grasp the facts. Climb up to the 21st century, man!

@ E Bajada - They keep the accused's name quiet because he is just that, until further notice: AN ACCUSED. NOT FOUND GUILTY. Kapixx?????
And if you want to protect your children, you jolly well know what you should do!

George Busuttilo

Aug 22nd 2008, 07:51

God forbid that everyone who is accused of a crime is found guilty. These type of crimes always make it to the front pages but when a not guilty verdict is given few find the time and space to give the news. Furthermore as in Malta court cases usually take years to resolve the accused goes through hell during those months and years. Now you might say that if he is guilty he deserves nothing better but (and this is a big but) what if he is innocent?
Who is going to restore his reputation and standing in society.
I believe that until one is proven guilty (and this not only in sexual cases) one's identity should be protected.
I'm sure that all those who are crying out for blood would agree with me if the accused happens to be a member of their own family. I know. I have met quite a few people like this.

E Bajada

Aug 22nd 2008, 07:35

Why!!!!!!!! Do they keep the accused name quiet,The poor child i fully understand but Malta continues to keep the offenders name quiet in cases similar to this again why !!!!! .In most of Europe there is paedophile lists so parents know if theres a paedophile in there area and can try and protect there children but sadly not so here .Surely a change in the law must be very high on the agenda

mario busuttil

Aug 22nd 2008, 06:46

Magistrates should never discreminate with offenders,if the accused is condemmed in courts of justice than these also has to be published on media like others especially paedophiles.

Clyde Ellul

Aug 22nd 2008, 00:55

I can't understand why people find the concept of not revealing the alleged criminal's name so difficult to grasp!

First of all, the man has not yet been found guilty... that is for the court to decide and not for any of the readers. People seem to be so quick at condemning other people as if they have no skeletons in their own closets. It's a good thing justice is not left in your hands guys as you would burn anyone rumoured to have committed a crime at the stake without even giving them a fair trial! Indeed I think the names of people accused of ANY crime should never be revealed until they are found guilty, as people tend to label them criminals anyway, irrespective of the court's decision!

Secondly, if you care the least about the alleged victim, then you wouldn't find it hard to understand why the name of the accused is not revealed. In a country where everyone knows everyone else, the name of the accused can often lead to identifying the victim, and the last thing a victim of sexual abuse would want is to have all Malta know that he's been abused!

Graham Crocker

Aug 21st 2008, 23:11

Thats just Sick.

guze xerri

Aug 21st 2008, 20:15

@ Franco Farrugia,

Since the accused MAN has been brought to court over sexual congress charges on an underaged BOY... a HOMOSEXUAL PAEDOPHILE title is very adequate to this adult male if he is found guilty.

Political Correctness be damned !!

Scerri S

Aug 21st 2008, 20:00

@Guze Xerri - A paedophile is a paedophile, punto e basta. Why do you refer to him as a 'homosexual paedophile' as if his sexual orientation makes the crime any worse? Would you have referred to him as a heterosexual paedophile if he had been involved with a 14-year old girl instead I wonder? Please clarify.

Patrick Sciberras

Aug 21st 2008, 19:27

Gary Glitter does not know about Malta!

Franco Farrugia

Aug 21st 2008, 19:05

@ Joseph Grima - The case is still open. Therefore, in the circumstances, it is only right that the name of the alleged pedophile be protected, don't you think? It's not the first time that people were accused in this way and then exonerated.

@ guze xerri - 'Who is this homosexual paedophile?' he asks. Do I note a hint of accent on the fourth word? Is there some message you want to impart? Some homophobia, perhaps?
Not all homosexuals are paedophiles as not all paedophiles are homosexuals!

victor vella

Aug 21st 2008, 18:53

If one fails to pay VAT he charges even if it is a small amount then his or her name is broadcast,if one is charged with a simple assault he is named, but then this vile act is hidden. NAME AND SHAME when this person is convicted, and keep him away from our kids.

Piero Timpano

Aug 21st 2008, 18:52

Ever heard of INNOCENT until PROVEN guilty??

D Fenech

Aug 21st 2008, 18:35

Never a dull moment on this island!!!!

What a fine specimen of management!!!!!!!

guze xerri

Aug 21st 2008, 18:25

Who is this homosexual paedophile ?
the public has the right to know who this vile man is.

Joseph Grima

Aug 21st 2008, 18:13

The boy should be protected... granted

How about the other boys who might visit the hotel in the future? And how can naming the hotelier's name reveal who the boy might be?

And if the hotel manager 'allegedly defiled the boy AND PARTICIPATED IN OTHER SEXUAL ACTS WITH HIM' how come the title says that the hotel manager was 'accused of defiling boy'?