Mark Micallef
Convicted sergeant back on beat
The police sergeant convicted of assaulting a French woman last year was reinstated less than two months after an appeal court handed down a suspended jail term, The Sunday Times has learnt.
Sgt David Sant was catapulted into the limelight after video footage of him kneeing the 56-year-old woman in the chest appeared in the media.
The incident, which took place on May 10, 2007, had initially gone unreported. But after the story broke, he was charged and received a four-month prison sentence on July 10 after being found guilty of slightly injuring the woman.
Following an appeal in October last year, the jail term was suspended for a year. Yet two months later he resumed his career with the police force and was assigned regular duties.
When contacted, the police media relations unit was initially coy about the issue. However, following further questions, a spokesman said the decision regarding the sergeant's resumption of duty came from the Public Service Commission.
Sgt Sant was suspended after being charged with the offence and remained so until the appeal. Once the case was concluded the Police Commissioner followed standard procedure and asked the Public Service Commission for direction.
The police spokesman said: "The Public Service Commission, inter alia, recommended that P. S. Sant's interdiction be lifted."
The spokesman would not confirm what duties Sgt Sant was assigned to, citing as policy the practice not to divulge the postings of individual officers. Nonetheless, The Sunday Times is reliably informed that the sergeant has been on the beat since December and was only recently transferred to a new police station.
Nor would the police say why the officer was not assigned to clerical duties as an alternative, but in both communications pointed out that they had followed the public service procedure.
The Commission, which is responsible for recommending the dismissal of all public service employees, could not be contacted yesterday afternoon, while questions sent via e-mail remained unanswered.
The incident had taken place in broad daylight outside Baystreet, Paceville, in May last year. Sgt Sant had asked the woman to reverse her car in order to help clear a traffic jam that had developed but she refused and started hooting the horn.
There was a language problem between the two as she hooted persistently and the sergeant tried to arrest her. She resisted and scratched him on the arm.
At some point after she scratched him, the sergeant opened the door of her car and she pushed him away. He then raised his left knee towards her neck but she managed to avoid being hit by ducking. As she kept trying to pull the door shut, he jerked his right knee and hit her in the chest. She fell onto the passenger's seat.
In suspending the jail term, Chief Justice Vincent DeGaetano, who presided over the appeal, had noted the officer's 20 years of "impeccable service" and the testimony of several officers saying that the incident was totally "out of character" for Sgt Sant.
Nonetheless, he stressed the gravity of the incident and the implications on the reputation of the police force.
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78 Comments
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Gerard Mangion
Sep 15th 2008, 11:05
@ Joseph Bugeja I AGREE : Don't we think that the Sergeant
and his family have suffered enough (even psychologically)
I ask you Mr Bugeja "if I may ? "
DO YOU FEEL THE SAME, FOR A YOUTH 17 YEAR OLD THAT SOME 30 YEARS AGO
WAS CONVICTED OF A PETTY CRIME, AND AS WE SAY IN MALTESE , TA NISKWART HALLAS QANTAR ! He served his time for 18 Months behind bars ! But to date he is still serving a life sentence for the Above! The Police COM, or the Minister of Justice, Just don't want to grant Him a Licence to work as a security gaurd, no not as P.C/ PS. To tell all the best I can, After this 30 year old episode He did work on a contract for 18 Months at the A.F.M, AND PERFORMED HIS DUTIES WITH GREAT SATISFACTION AND GOOD BEHAVIOUR TOO!
what do you think ? has not this had enough too ?
Thank You.
Constantine Busuttil
Sep 3rd 2008, 01:31
@Christopher Formosa
To save someone is part of human nature, thats how should it be however if you are referring to lives saved by Sergeant Sant from an arson attack on their private residence, I would like to inform you that while he was trying to put out the fire with his small extinguisher, I called for help but nobody came forward with a bucket of water, one lady told that she did not want to be involved while others looked from their balcony and did nothing, only a night receptionist from a nearby hotel brought a bottle of water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOST people know whats right to do but very FEW do it.
TO ALL THOSE OUT THERE WHO HAVE NEVER LOST YOUR PATIENCE REMEMBER EVEN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN HIS HUMAN NATURE LOST HIS TEMPER WITH THE MERCHANTS AT THE TEMPLE. USING YOUR REASONING HE SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED FROM BEING REGARDED AS A PROPHET OR SAVIOUR, BECAUSE FOR ONCE HE LOST HIS COOLNESS. Reading certain comments convince me that even Ghandi would resort to violence with people who judge others without knowing the REAL facts
Joseph Bugeja
Sep 2nd 2008, 20:26
Before condemning someone, one must make sure of ALL
the facts and that they are correct.
Even if there existed a split second mistake (qualified with
stiff provocation, etc.,), does a man have to pay for it for the
rest of his life? Even the French lady, later on, regrettfully
admitted that the whole thing had been senselessly blown off !
What about all the good deeds, some of them voluntarily, due to his good character, Don't we think that the Sergeant
and his family have suffered enough (even psychologically)
during the proceedings?
Our competent authorities came out with their verdicts after
very careful examination of all events and circumstances. So I wonder why this subject was brought up again?
I seriously wonder!
victor vella
Sep 2nd 2008, 20:15
@zap branagan Yes I will say it again French tourists are impossible, forone thing they try to find any excuse to try to get thier money back, try disobeying a police officer in Paris and see if you don't end up hauled in front of courts.Try talking to them in English and see if you get any answer, and that goes for the french as well.
James A. Tyrrell & Joe Azzopardi Please read my comment again,I never condoned the violence.
Gerard Mangion
Sep 2nd 2008, 19:37
Chief Justice Vincent DeGaetano,
Did make a step forward I guess,
yes Maybe this will help Ordinary People, to get the same privilegg too.
Agree.
Christopher Formosa
Sep 2nd 2008, 19:31
@David A. Agius (former Police Sergeant)
Keep up the good work? lol Yes thats right,keep up the good work, as for all the stepping foward you mentioned,
kids teachers should start bashing kids,
priests should start swearing,
nurses can beat ungratful patients,
and last but not least soldiers should start shooting immigrants when they see them at sea.
Yes i think you kept up the good work former sergeant.
This story isint about a policeman,its about whats wrong and right, the woman broke the law,so arrest her, thats your job mate, not knee her in the face,imagine if it was your mum, would you keep up the good work?
Its because of people like you that the rest of the police force arent trusted ( former sergeant ) because im certian that you kept up the good work.
David A. Agius (former Police Sergeant)
Sep 2nd 2008, 19:03
@ M Muscat
NO, the killing of the person in Qormi is the direct responsability of the Administration of the force which for years:
- Neglected appropriate training (not a couple of days every four years as was the case!)
- Waitied until 2007 to provide alternative non-lethal weapons to police officers (except for the piece of shaped wood which in the police is called a truncheon but is a far cry from the real thing)
THey have NEVER been held accountable. NO one has ever made a swhole show of them.
Why don't Xarabank and BondiPLus and Mediatoday and all the other people who have had interest in these cases ever really follow up these issues? Why do we jsut make a big fuss and never look at the rear issues?
NEWS Extraordinaire. Make a sensation, don't sweat to dig up real issues!
David A. Agius (former Police Sergeant)
Sep 2nd 2008, 18:58
I fully agree with Dennis Agius.
Whoever can say that he has gone through the same experiences time and after again and always kept his cool can step forward.
Whoever thinks that the slightly less than 2000 officers in the police are a bunch of statues, step forward please.
Whoever thinks that you can face constant abuse and not flinch, step forward please.
Whoever thinks that the media campaign against Sgt. Sant was correct, UNBIASED and just, step forward please.
Whoever thinks that the french woman REALLY was kicked senseless, step forward please.
I can't really believe that there are so many people who believe everything... like that guy once said... a fool is born every minute. Without any offence, with the culture prevailing in Europe, would you have believed that if the French women knew she was innocent, WHY DID SHE NOT PROSECUTE HIM HERSELF?????? WHY DID SHE NOT CONTACT THE NEWSPAPERS, EMBASSY, etc?
Keep up the good work Sgt. Sant.
mark fenech
Sep 2nd 2008, 18:09
As far as I know you need to have a clean police conduct in order to be eligible for a post in the police force......obviously you can have a criminal record after you get into that post and still keep your job!
joseph azzopardi
Sep 2nd 2008, 17:46
The problem in Malta is responsibility .
Dave Alan Caruana
Sep 2nd 2008, 15:45
The police force should be armed with truncheons, tear gas, and riot shields for self defence from violent septuagenarian female miscreants.
dennis agius
Sep 2nd 2008, 15:36
@M Muscat
Please can you join the Malta Police Force so to teach them how you should have dealt with the Croatian Drunken Hooligans at Ta Qali, can you teach them or give assitance, how to control a madman with a knife coming towards you. maybe with some sweet talk, a kiss and a bunch of flowers
maybe if you join, Malta will probably have the best Police Force in the World!
you seems to know it all by sitting in front of your computer.
M Muscat
Sep 2nd 2008, 13:10
Police officers are EXPECTED to know how to deal with difficult people. Don't police officers get any training in this? There are many other difficult people around - what will happen if there is a drunken hooligan being offensive with the police? beat him to death?
Wasn't there an incident in Qormi when a mentally ill person was shot because he was difficult to control? Let's admit it, some of the police are bullies.
Liam kelly
Sep 2nd 2008, 11:45
@C Formosa
I think 20 years 'impeccable service' in Malta's police force means that he kept the office chair suitably warm for the next shift to sit on!
Gerard /Mangion
Sep 2nd 2008, 09:57
About the sergeant I think he was punished more than enough for his mistake.
@ t borg, I am qouting your last sentence, and I hope this time it will get in.
The Sgt had more than enough is that so ? I will put it this way, and ask you if you feel the same for this.
30 yrs ago, a teen of was gulty of a Minor Crime, ended up behind bar's when he made his time, he never looked back got married and built a Family.
But till to date, he is still paying for what he did 30 yrs ago !
His Security Gaurd Licence was not giving to him By the police Com.
Although he has a Clean conduct now ( he was granted it by the Court of Law )
He has been nearly 8 Year's now without work ! the only work he is able to do, Now you tell Me if this man, hasint got the right work ? the Job he is able too, dont you think he is still suffering a big Injustice ? isint this More than Enough ! ...............
Christopher Formosa
Sep 2nd 2008, 08:45
Hmmm, some of you have to get your facts right i think,, poor pay,a constable is scale 14,that translates in lm 4770 = lm 360 a month,, sargent = scale 10 ,lm 6090 = lm 468 a month
And isint there somwhere written that the law is the same for everyone?
20 years impeccable service? Dont make me laugh.
And as for saving someone like you said, thats human nature right? To save some one,I dont think you have to be a sargent to do that, normal people save lives as well. No big deal, normal people dont knee other people in the face.
walter arciola
Sep 2nd 2008, 01:37
@George Curmi
Was the sergeant a disgrace when three days before the accident with the French woman he saved another woman from committing suicide and in the attempt to do so she scratched him and she later referred to him that she had hepatitis B. the sergeant had to undergo medical exams to determine if he had contracted the illness. Can you place yourself in his position when JUST 3 days later he was scratched again.
What kind of training does any police force in the world makes you be prepared to the possibility of having contracted Hepatitis just because you did your duty. In this country civil servants and not just policemen can’t defend themselves from aggressive people because if they do so they end up losing their jobs. It is an invitation for aggressive people to bully them.
Are you aware that besides the hepatitis scare the sergeant had undergone a terrible period in which he underwent a bypass operation and the loss of a beloved relative. How many out there would have sustained the pressure? Criminals for serious crimes have walked out of court free while a petty offence gets a jail sentence, that’s ridiculous
Constantine Busuttil
Sep 2nd 2008, 01:33
@A. Sciberras
please inform yourself, the sergeant had requested the assistance of a WPC since the procedure to arrest a woman requests the presence of a policewoman. You refer to a video which shows just a couple of minutes of the accident which lasted over 30 minutes. The video is edited, WHY
This woman has resisted and harassed a police official and no charges have been brought against her. Before the accident was reported the police had some justification since they did not have her details, but after they did and still No charges. Two weights two measures.
She also testified in court that she did not file a report because she had her part of fault in the accident.
Had the sergeant kicked her intentionally she would have ended in the ITU and not having a very slight tenderness as referred in court by the doctor who examined her privately.
She also refused medical assistance as testified in court by the driver of the ambulance(called for by the sergeant) when he arrived on the spot, she just drove off.
Amanda Mallia
Sep 2nd 2008, 00:12
Charles Sammut - There's somehing that is known as "excessive force", which should never been used by anyone, let alone a policeman, and certainly not by a policeman in the course of his duty.
And yes, good manners would never go amiss.
Amanda Mallia
Sep 2nd 2008, 00:10
Constantine Busuttil - An exemplary friend is not necessarily someone fit to be in the police force, especially after being found guilty of getting unnecessarily physical with somebody who chose not to obey his orders.
As for your stating that I never make mistakes, please do not try to create the false impression that you know me. I do not know you from Adam, and have never claimed to be perfect. Policemen, on the other hand, should have impeccable conduct - both whilst on and off duty.
Rachel Galea
Sep 1st 2008, 21:03
@A Sciberras
The normal way one should act when being ordered by the police to do something is to obey and not scratch and resist such orders. Pray Mr. Sciberras how would you have arrested this woman ....... your enlightenment would be very useful to the police force in the future?
Rachel Galea
Sep 1st 2008, 20:47
@I Borg
She did not exercise her right as the video clearly showed that she was not assulted by the police but was subdued whilst resisting arrest. In reality she was the one who made the first move and repeatedly did so for sometime before being subdued.
Assault means being picked upon and beaten for no reason whatsoever, like the Los Angeles Incident wherein, if I remember correctly, the police kept on beating the man in question after subduing him........... very similar to the recent Paceville incident.
A.Sciberras
Sep 1st 2008, 19:43
Are we a democracy or are we pigs? Had the policeman faced PSC , he would have lost his stripes or job. Are we closing our eyes because she was French? The normal way would be to arrest her not to kick her in a sitting down position.
Wow. An island of wonders!!!!!
Charles Sammut
Sep 1st 2008, 18:35
@Amanda Mallia
How exactly do you propose restraining violent civilians including minors? Sweets perhaps, or flowers? Or saying "please"?
Watch that video again and ask yourself what any normal person would have done in those circumstances. That woman was acting the victim. Just as well it was video-taped because who knows what she might have accused him of?
Constantine Busuttil
Sep 1st 2008, 18:04
@Amanda Mallia
The violent policeman you don't even know, has saved the lives of an entire family including young children going through fire to save them even if he was off duty. I was present and what impressed me most was his concern for the safety of others.
Had Sergeant Sant really had the INTENTION to hurt the woman he would have thrown her out of the car and not just receiving a very slight tenderness as referred by her doctor in court.
Even the prosecution noted that the sergeant had no intention of hurting the woman, because it was evident that since he is tall, strong and large built person had he the INTENTION to hurt her she would have ended in hospital. Had he been sent to jail or lost his job, I personally together with many others were ready to collect a petition and I am 100% sure that I we would have collected thousands of signatures in matter of days since Sergeant Sant is very well respected and admired person.
I feel privileged to be his friend and I prefer his friendship than to those like you who never made a mistake in their life.
Tony Pace
Sep 1st 2008, 17:39
The woman in question had been refusing to comply with a legitimate police order for the best part of ten minutes and had even assailed the Police Sergeant and scratched him.
The last straw was when she tried repeatedly to open the car's door while he was phoning the police station and in the process could have injured the Police Sergeant with it.
Had he restrained her in her sitting position, would he have been accused of groping her if he had pushed her back by her chest?
Has anybody verified the frame rate per second of the recording camera? A slow frame rate would depict a faster movement of the knee.
Amanda Mallia
Sep 1st 2008, 17:13
Charles Sammut - Are you inferring that violent policemen shoud be kept on the beat to restrain violent civilians, children included?
Nik Xuereb Conti
Sep 1st 2008, 17:02
@ Paul Bonnici - Why do you compare Malta to UK? They're totally different countries with very different cultures. Do you honestly think the UK doesn't have its own problems? It's pathertic that people in Malta think that other countries are some sort of safe heaven were everything is perfect, far from it.
Charles sammut
Sep 1st 2008, 16:02
@ Amanda Mallia
"There was a recent case in the UK where a policeman who hit a boy after constant provocation from the child was given a jail term AND lost his job. The boy was a known troublemaker, harassed the policeman, but he was a boy none-the-less, and the policeman should have restrained himself, despite the provocation, even if it were an adult (not a boy) before him. That is the attitude that should be adopted here."
That is why London is fast becoming the No.1 crime capital in western Europe.
@ I borg
This "lady" failed to "SUE THE POLICE FORCE IN A EUROPEAN COURT FOR ASSAULT" because she has absolutely no basis for it. Rest assured she would have done if she could. She even sued the local newspaper (which had first revealed her case) for referring to her as "elderly". She is the sort of woman who will demand her pound of flesh if she can.
In any case from the video it is clear that the policeman defended himself with his knee because both his hands were occupied.
dennis agius
Sep 1st 2008, 15:41
after this police man was assigned to duty from last december, is there a hidden agenda to revive this closed accident again?
Liam Kelly
Sep 1st 2008, 14:55
@ Robert Preston
Are we talking about the same police force? Because if your ringing endorsement was for the Maltese Police then i'm afraid you'r going around with your eyes shut....so lets dissect your comments shall we?
Policeman at police station ready to serve you: Are those the ones who stand at the desk whilst crimes are committed right outside their doors? The same ones who when you try and report something they will do their utmost to avoid any work/paperwork by saying 'there's nothing really we can do?'
Comments on unions: I get paid poorly as well.....do you really think the unions care about my pay? Their only interested in playing partisan politics with their friends at the dockyards.
The Maltese police should thank their lucky stars their working in Malta. If it was up to me you lot would get a pay cut.
George Curmi
Sep 1st 2008, 13:37
Regardless of his "20 years impeccable service" and the claim that this incident was "out of character", this man's actions have disgraced the Police service. His actions cannot be denied because they were documented on video footage. While the courts saw fit to suspend his jail sentence, there is no way that he should be reinstated to his post after being convicted of a crime. At the very least, he should have been permanently assigned to clerical duties to prevent any future re occurrence or, considering his age, he should have been sent into retirement.
Clearly, Malta's Police service is not providing proper training for officers on how to stay calm and behave properly in tense situations.
Shame on the Police Commissioner and the PSC for closing ranks and protecting one of their own. Episodes like this lead to an erosion of public confidence in Malta's Police service.
Steve Rogers
Sep 1st 2008, 09:09
@Dr.Etienne Calleja - Your comments are quite biased. Sant was found GUILTY by not one court but by 2! You should know that Sant was duty bound to prevent such an action and under the PSC any officer found guilty should be fined DOUBLE what any normal person would. There is a difference between reasonable and excessive force. In this case Sant was standing talking on the phone when he kicked the old lady. I also do not believe the courts took into account what nationality the victim was as it is not an issue regardless how arrogant the French can be.
Joe Galea
Sep 1st 2008, 08:44
I condemn Police officers who abuse of their power, however, these guys have to work under constant pressure earning low wages and being always criticised by everyone. If the incident happened abroad it could have had worse consequences for the old lady.
The Maltese Police should be sent abroad to get some work experience in advanced countries, and be replaced for a couple of years by their counterparts in these countries. At least these foreign police wouldn't be afraid of facing someone because they know him or because they are afraid of him as s/he is a bully or dangerous to say the least. Maybe some order will be restored in this shambling country.
P Sultana
Sep 1st 2008, 08:38
Once the person is convicted he is a criminal. I thought that police officers needed to have a clean criminal record. Are criminals now allowed in the police force. Another question: how many employees of the police force and the government in general have criminal records?
G.D. Borg
Sep 1st 2008, 08:28
Wellcome back PS Sant,
Robert Preston
Sep 1st 2008, 06:17
Almost Everyone wants to be a judge and jury with these comments.
Do you really know what does a police officer goes through everyday? Do you know what a s**t pay they are getting? Almost every worker in this country has a union to fight for their rights and working conditions. The Police and AFM have no one to speak for them AT ALL. You should all know that some police officers got paid last month just got paid as low as 750euros and that for working 52 hours a week. make your math now. I have friends who are police officers and when sometimes I hear some to the things they go through trust me i don't want to be in their shoes but i still respect their job cause they are really dedicated. So after all these comments please think that while you are sleeping at home with your family an underpaid, no benefits and with no freedom of speech police officer is at your local police station or on patrol ready to serve you and protect you.
Joseph Vassallo
Sep 1st 2008, 00:37
They were in a traffic jam and she obviously wasn't going anywhere. He opened her door, at which point, he was assaulting her. There was no need to open her door and try and pull her out of the car; his intention was clearly to intimidate and bully her; this is not what law enforcers should do. There was plenty of scope in letting her toot all she wants and then arrest her in the proper manner... It is not unheard of for the police to take their time before getting involved in a fight so that those involved can tire themselves out and calm down. Obviously, it was brave of this sargeant to apprehend this woman single-handedly in the interest of unravelling a traffic jam.
So he has paid enough already; how has he?
I spontaneously intentionally drive my car at someone who has offended me and kill him/her.... I am an OAP and have never killed anyone in my life.... so it is totally out of character for me to behave in this manner. My (rhetorical) question is: Would the court pass a suspended life sentence on me?
Is the law being bent or stretched here?
Constantine Busuttil
Aug 31st 2008, 23:57
@J Oatmon
A few years ago after a barbeque I was given a lift home by PS David Sant, on our way the Sergeant who was off duty noticed a fire infront of a private residence. He immediatedly stopped his car and got a small fire extinguisher to try to take out the fire, although it was not enough it gave him time to manage to kick a car tyre (which later resulted to have been doused in petrol) that had been placed at the door. I tried to stop since it was dangerous however he told me that people might be inside and they would be at risk since the electrical main could be reached by the fire. It turned out that a whole family was inside which included children. When the firemen arrived they told us that if the sergeant did not act probably the consequence would have been tragic.
Therefore J Oatmon before judging people you should know who you are judging. The Times report fails to mention that a couple of days before the sergeant had been scratched by a another woman who had hepatitis and that recently he had undergone a bypass operation.
Robert Callus
Aug 31st 2008, 23:44
@Joseph Caruana
I agree that the women wasn't very pleasant to deal with, and would take into consideration that the Officer had a clean record.
HOwever this does not justify police brutality. What you are saying is not just justifying it but believe it should be increased, suggest that you also include torture!!!! This is unbelievable
D.Galea
Aug 31st 2008, 23:41
A sentence has been handled down & you are in awe at a judgment of the PSC, how pathetic of you! You know I have a lot of serious problems with system BUT I have as much problems with moronic witch hunters of every kind, those who without any awareness of the WHOLE picture pretend to know-it-all, well talk is cheap & you know your biggest failure is that you rob of any credence of those who really can feel what is going on & have the possibility to do something about it. Newspapers are NOT toys! Use them but stop making yourselves look like polo mints will ya?
J Farrugia
Aug 31st 2008, 22:26
Some guys are always ready to condemn this and that. even the elves have come out of hiding. What if that policeman was your father, your brother, etc. Given all the information about the situation that policeman found himself in, I would have done the same. An if she was my mother I would have given her a piece of my mind. So enough hogwash from these do gooders. and as to Tyrell stop insulting us.
Ronald Caruana
Aug 31st 2008, 20:52
O.M.G this has to be another case of O.I.M
C.Camilleri
Aug 31st 2008, 20:27
I cannot understand why all this fuss about PS Sant. The police force is full of persons who should not be in the force for some reason of an other. Latest example is the case of H. Vassallo where a P.S. apparently neglected his duties because he was studying for his exam for Inspector. Perhaps to day he is an inspector. Other cases include the case where a foreigner was allowed to leave Malta because the female PS did not care to check with the records at the depot. The list goes on. As I see it this case is in line with others Govt cases where not much importance is attached to discipline and sense of duty.
l borg
Aug 31st 2008, 20:24
REMEMBER IN 1992 IN LOS ANGELOS WHEN 4 POLICEMEN BASHED UP A BLACK MAN
THE RIOTS AND THE BLACK MAN ENDED GETTING 3.5 MILLION COMPESATION AND TWO POLICE MEN GOT JAIL TERMS AND WERE SUSPENDED FOR EVER
THIS CASE IS SIMILIAR YET THE POLICEMAN IS BACK ON THE JOB AND THE FRENCH WOMAN FAILED TO EXERCISE HER RIGHTS AND SUE THE POLICE FORCE IN A EUROPEAN COURT FOR ASSAULT
mona degiorgio
Aug 31st 2008, 19:29
I am glad the policeman got his job back. I wonder what would happen if we would do what that French woman did to did in her country!!
Amanda Mallia
Aug 31st 2008, 17:19
Marie Claudine Amato Scicluna - There was a recent case in the UK where a policeman who hit a boy after constant provocation from the child was given a jail term AND lost his job. The boy was a known troublemaker, harassed the policeman, but he was a boy none-the-less, and the policeman should have restrained himself, despite the provocation, even if it were an adult (not a boy) before him. That is the attitude that should be adopted here. See this link:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Policeman-Jailed-After-Punching-Boy-In-Face-PC-Daniel-Gaffney-Given-12-Weeks-For-Attack/Article/200808415088079?f=rss
Amanda Mallia
Aug 31st 2008, 17:16
Marie Claudine Amato Scicluna - There was a recent case in the UK where a policeman who hit a boy after constant provocation from the child was given a jail term AND lost his job. The boy was a known troublemaker, harassed the policeman, but he was a boy none-the-less, and the policeman should have restrained himself, despite the provocation, even if it were an adult (not a boy) before him. That is the attitude that should be adopted here. See this link:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Policeman-Jailed-After-Punching-Boy-In-Face-PC-Daniel-Gaffney-Given-12-Weeks-For-Attack/Article/200808415088079?f=rss
Doreen Camilleri
Aug 31st 2008, 17:05
I can't believe some of these comments...."these people are always working, they do not have decent wages" ; "20 years impeccable service are expected to be thrown away because of one incident 'completely out of character'?" HELLO?! - a public officer using violence?! never acceptable! Anyone should be punished for violence and bullying let alone a public officer who should be trained how to act in such a situation...Absolutely disgusting!
John Cassar
Aug 31st 2008, 17:00
I was under the impression that when a Police Officer issues an order it should be complied with immediately. She should have obeyed orders in the first place!
Dr.Etienne Calleja
Aug 31st 2008, 16:51
@James Tyrell
If the woman in question was a relative of ours (esp. our mother) then we would not be in a position to comment fairly. The comments raised here seem to be objective enough, with persons expressing their views with detachment. As it should be. Once we are personally involved we, as humans, tend to lose all sense of objectivity. So this question is not pertinent.
@Michael Andrews
What the woman desrved is not for us to say either. We were not there handling the situation ourselves and, in spite of the video footage, it seems that the version of events described by Sgt. Sant has been both believed and corroborated. Arresting her is what the Sgt. tried to do, and she resisted by physically attacking him. From that moment on he was authorised to use force, reasonable force, but force nonetheless. Now, some of you might think that this was excessive.
Strangely, in spite of arguments in favour of the latter theory, not even the French woman herself thought so!
Dr. Etienne A. Calleja is a lawyer in private practice and a former member of the Malta Police Force
albert fiorentino
Aug 31st 2008, 16:35
The facts of the matter are that this person was convicted ie. found guilty of assault. Whatever the merits of the case he should have been dismissed.
Compare the situation with the recent bus strike.No police officer used violence on any person attacking Castille .
My educated guess is that it is easier to attack a person from the fairer sex than a male thug.
J.Zahra
Aug 31st 2008, 16:33
It's not the norm for the PSC to lift an interdiction , considering that the police officer was NOT even acquitted - he actually received a jail term , allbeit a "suspended " one. This means that his sentence can be re-activated if he has another incident with the law, for whatever reason.
The nepotism exhibited in this case brings to mind the Jesmond Mugliet case. Maybe he was not so out of line after all when he wanted to await the outcome of a request for a Presidential pardon before sacking two men who worked with his department who had received a jail term for frauduling driving licence tests. Then, the public outcry was that Mugliette should not have waited , since Presidential pardons are not given freely . Well if interdictions are lifted so easily , why can't Presidential pardons be given freely?
Charles Falzon
Aug 31st 2008, 15:44
The French woman's behaviour is symptomatic of her nation.
As regards to what would the outcome had been in the UK, what would have happened in France .
I say welcome back Police sergeant.
joe azzopardi
Aug 31st 2008, 15:25
OK Mr victor Vella,
so all this justify our p.s Sant ,to beat an elderly lady
R Aquilina
Aug 31st 2008, 14:50
I fully agree with the decision of the PSC. From what I can gather from the whole story, the officer was under stress and the straw that broke the camel's back was an arrogant french women impeding his job and actually being agressive ! To me it looks more like a case of self-defense. Anyway, is there anyone who has never done anything which he regretted afterwards? I think the officer has already more than paid for his actions.
James A. Tyrrell
Aug 31st 2008, 14:45
@Ramon Zammit. Let me ask you a question Ramon. Imagine the elderly lady in question had been your mother, how would you feel then?
@victor vella. I understand what you are saying here Victor. French tourists, particularly Parisians can be a total pain at times. For some reason they seem to think they are better than everyone else and therefore the laws of the common people should not apply to them. However, and I'm speaking here as an ex police officer myself, that does not give a serving police officer the right to assault an elderly woman in this way.
Having said that we must remember that anyone can have an off day. Hopefully Sergeant Sant has learned from this and will go on to complete his remaining service in an exemplary fashion.
t. borg
Aug 31st 2008, 14:30
I would never join the police as I heard that they are still waiting to be paid for the extra work they done during the last general election and the buses strike not mentioning extra duties. It reminds me when Russian economy collapsed and soldiers and policeman in Russia were not being paid. Viva eu!!! About the sergeant I think he was punished more than enough for his mistake.
Michael Andrews
Aug 31st 2008, 14:19
@Ramon Zammit.
Do whatever she did and it really was nothing( i have seen the video),She certainly did not deserve a knee to the chest area.
She was a 56 yr old woman for gods sake.
Arrest her ....yes.
Violently abuse her.... NO!!
The officer should be in prison.... FULL STOP and instead he is working again as if nothing happened. And relative or not,if he deserves it then yes i think he should go to prison.No-one should be above the law.
Paul Bonnici
Aug 31st 2008, 13:39
So we should put Sgt Sant forward for the award of Gieh Ir-Republika for bravery in his execution of his duty. I am sure his law abiding police colleagues must be appalled to be working with such a man and be put in the same basket as him by the public. It is a shame that police officers cannot express their opinion of Sgt Sant in public, his colleagues are of the same opinion as the general public.
Bill Millam
Aug 31st 2008, 13:30
"Nonetheless, he (Chief Justice Vincent DeGaetano) stressed the gravity of the incident and the implications on the reputation of the police force.'' Reputation of the police force?!?!? My a... Bill Millam Los Angeles
Charles Sammut
Aug 31st 2008, 13:22
I think that Sgt Sant was extremely restrained in this case. This French "lady" had been persistently disobeying his legitimate orders and provoking him. I only hope that should he be faced with similar circumstances in the future, he would arrest the person and let her contemplate her bad manners for a couple of days in the cooler. Try tangling with the French police, especially if you are a foreigner.
Marie Claudine Amato Scicluna
Aug 31st 2008, 13:10
And by the way i never knew malta was so full of sanctified people guess the vatican is jealous !!!!!!!
J Oatmon
Aug 31st 2008, 13:07
I do not think the statement below is worth any consideration at all: - "..., had noted the officer's 20 years of "impeccable service" and the testimony of several officers saying that the incident was totally "out of character" for Sgt Sant." Obviously the officers are biased workplace friendsof Sgt Sant, and these 'police friends and associates' would never go against their sargeant, so the 'character reference' or 'impecable service' record is worthless - I am pretty sure virtually all policemen in Malta will have the same "impeccable service" record if you ask other policemen. I see no possible reason for a big strong experienced police sargeant to 'beat up' on a woman, if the woman is so uncontrollable and such a danger, then he can call for back-up. Is it a case of "I can do as I like, and I will because I can, and you have no rights compared to my rights"? I think he should be kicked out of the police force, or demoted as a bare minimum, and assigned to traffic duty.
Marie claudine amato scicluna
Aug 31st 2008, 13:05
Everyone seems to be a god who judges others in particular if its someone in the police force . let me remind you that these people are always working, they do not have decent wages, they have to endure whatever happens in malta they have to do works which are not part of their jobs, such as dealing with illegal imigrants etc.... they always risk their lives for us but no one seems to come on paper and thank them for there hard work they do, but when one of them is attacked, called names threatened and they just do what mere immortals do they find people like all of you ready to throw stones at them and judged by people like you who i bet that if in danger or attacked by someone you'll surley be the first to react in the same way this men did so please don't be such hypocrates and stop judging others
N.Azzopardi
Aug 31st 2008, 13:02
@Paul Bonnici I think you made a mistake mentioning UK Police. Some time ago they even shot by mistake a guy thought to be a terrorist. This was done in the middle of the road. He died on the spot. Everybody makes mistakes. I still believe that he should have raised his knee and hit the french women on her chest. but I also think that she should have obeyed orders in the first place. She is not above the law either. She should have been charged as well.
zap branagan
Aug 31st 2008, 12:46
Wow, Victor Vella.
You have proved that all French people are impossible to deal with. What a ridiculous comment. I could mention all the inane acts of stupidity I have seen the Maltese engage in.
Please think before you comment.
Joseph Dalmas
Aug 31st 2008, 12:31
Sgt David Sant is honest and ready to help others , I think you all got the wrong impression.
David keep up the good work.
Ramon Zammit
Aug 31st 2008, 12:24
I would like to see how all of you would react in finding a person such as that french tourist disobeying your orders and scratching you all over! would you keep staring at her or thank her? i have my doubts! not that i would beat her anyway but if it was a relative of yours would you be still suggesting the prison sentence? you all seem to be a bunch of inquistors thirsty for harsh sentences...!
victor vella
Aug 31st 2008, 12:19
Whilst not condoning any excessive use of violance by the uniformed corps, I would like to mention two cases I have witnessed of French tourists being ruddy impossibly pedantic,In one case two French women got on the wrong bus from golden bay to bugibba, they had meant to go to valletta,on arrival at bugibba they held up the Valletta bus for about 20 minutes arguing that they didnt want to pay the measly fare of 8cents (Lm) for each of them. at the end the driver simply gave them tickets without recieving payment just to shut them up, I remember that one of them was pushing a police officer and telling him in broken english to shut up and go away, the other case was in Tunisia where the family of four tried to take a taxi which was not licenced to take passengers from Port Al Kantaw they have a system of licences there, the taxi driver was talking to them in french and explaining the situation but they simply wouldn't budge, the police officer on duty was attacked by the man (head of family) and pushed to the ground.
albert spiteri
Aug 31st 2008, 12:01
First this sergeant felt strong enough to beat up a quasi senior citizen french tourist while maintaining law and order (sic)! Then we had Appeals court reducing a jail sentence to a suspended jail sentence, and now he's back in the service, with all the powers his uniform carries with it.....to maintain the same kind of law and order he so aptly maintained when beating up a woman of 55! Who says this is not THE WORLD'S ONE AND ONLY BANANA REPUBLIC!
Paul Bonnici
Aug 31st 2008, 12:00
Shocking and disgraceful and in full contempt of pubic opinion and justice. Sergeant David Sant should be still locked up in prison and not enforcing the laws of Malta. What message does this send to law abiding citizens. This cowardly sergeant should have got a much harsher sentence. Had it happened in the UK the outcome would have been much different.
Joseph Mizzi
Aug 31st 2008, 11:08
A scandalous decision by the PSC.
The image of the Police Force has been tarnished, and the person responsible will enjoy the fruits of a hard-earned pension in five years' time for his efforts!
Very well done!
Adrian Cardona
Aug 31st 2008, 10:58
So what is the point of this article? 20 years impeccable service are expected to be thrown away because of one incident 'completely out of character'?
Noel Cutajar
Aug 31st 2008, 10:55
He was found guilty, he appealed and sentence was final.If he was a normal person who was handed down a prison sentence, would you write the same thing about him?
I Abela
Aug 31st 2008, 10:49
WHAT A SHAME. I can't believe what I'm reading. This man is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. He committed a crime which he was duty bound to prevent. And he WAS CAUGHT ON CAMERA doing so. And yet, he's back to work as if nothing happened. This is an insult to justice.
Amanda Mallia
Aug 31st 2008, 10:38
People like him should not be in the police force, whatever the circumstances that led to such action from him were.
Is there such a desperate shortage of suitable policemen?
Shaun Camilleri
Aug 31st 2008, 10:36
How Pathetic! Wonder what the anti "elves" would say if Sant were to be in Govt!!!