Charged with assaulting daughter's boyfriend

A convicted drug dealer was yesterday charged with attacking his teenage daughter's 60-year-old boyfriend.

Mario Camilleri - better known by his nickname, which, however, cannot be published by court order - and a 16-year-old, both from Swieqi, pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring the man, carrying a firearm during an argument, trespassing and damaging the alleged victim's property.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca say that the argument involved a man who is dating Mr Camilleri's daughter.

Mr Camilleri also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

The teenager pleaded not guilty to committing a crime after having been conditionally discharged for traffic offences.

Defence lawyer Joe Brincat requested bail on behalf of Mr Camilleri. Magistrate Vella turned down the request after hearing the prosecution say there was a strong possibility the incident would repeat itself. He was remanded in custody.

When requesting bail for the teenager, Dr Brincat argued prison would not be the ideal place for him.

The boy was placed under house arrest against a personal guarantee of €1,000. A supervision order in his regard was issued.

Police Inspectors Joseph Mercieca and Keith Arnaud informed the court that the alleged victim was prepared to drop some of the charges.

Mr Camilleri and his son Pierre, together with businessman Anthony Grech Sant were recently jailed for involvement in the bribery of former Judge Patrick Vella and the alleged bribery of former Chief Justice Noel Arrigo. Their prison term has not come into effect yet because they appealed the judgement.