Waylon Johnston
Priest cleared of exposing himself
A priest was cleared of exposing himself to a woman in Gozo after the court yesterday ruled that her testimony was riddled with inconsistencies.
Fr Joseph Grech, 38 had pleaded not guilty of the act involving a woman in Dwejra, San Lawrenz, on September 17 at around 4 p.m.
When contacted yesterday, he said he thanked God that justice had finally been done, adding that when the police had first called him he thought it was because he had a dent on his front bumper and he had accidently hit another car.
"I was absolutely surprised when I found out the reason the police had called me in," he said.
Testifying, Helena Wiser, a Swiss woman here on holiday at the time, said she had gone for a walk on the rocky cliffs when she turned around to see a man exposing himself as soon as she looked in his direction.
Frightened, she approached an Italian couple for assistance but they could not understand her. She then said she went down to an ice cream vendor, who saw a man whom she alleged was the aggressor looking at the woman before driving off.
The vendor took down the car's registration number and the vehicle was traced to Fr Grech.
However, the eyewitness had only seen the man in the car look at Ms Wiser while she could not specifically identify the person in the car.
The priest categorically denied the charges saying he had not seen or met Ms Wiser before. He had gone down to Dwejra for a swim but because the sea was not very inviting he dressed up and left.
He then drove up the hill on the side of the old watch tower and stopped to go for a walk and to admire the view. He drove down to buy an ice cream until it was time for him to pick up his mother. In fact, he didn't buy an ice cream because he received an SMS and drove off.
The court said that it had two very different versions of events, while pointing out that there were a number of inconsistencies in the woman's version.
Among other things, Ms Wiser said she was walking along the coast before she changed her version saying she was sitting close to the Fungus Rock. Magistrate Edwina Grima cleared Fr Grech of all the charges.
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37 Comments
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RITA CALLEJA
Nov 17th 2008, 07:50
Kull min jaf lil Fr. Joe kulhadd jaf x' ragel hu ghax kull fejn kien dejjem ghamel il-gid. Qatt ma dahlilna dubju li ghamel xi haga bhal din. Nittama li l-mara li xlietu thallas id-danni.
Alex Ellul
Nov 16th 2008, 23:17
@Joe Zahra: Is there another side to the truth? No there isn't. The truth can only be one sided. You cannot have two sides of the TRUTH. If this outcome does not suit your way of thinking then you have a problem: That of not being able to accept facts that go against your grain. Note Frans Sammut's thinking: Its highly logical. Some people try to make easy money by spreading lies the priest's accuser may have had such thoughts. If so, this lady should be indicted for criminal slander, giving to Caeser what belongs to Caeser.
Josephine Busutti Cini
Nov 16th 2008, 20:03
Fr. Joe Grech is an honest and exemplary priest indeed! I know him
because he is our parish priest and also when I teached at Cospicua
Girls Secondary School. I can say that he is highly respected both by
the people in his Parish as well as among the students because he is
very dedicated in his pastoral work and is a very humble and honest
priest. Fr. Joe is a person of integrity and a model priest for our
times.
I am very happy that he has been cleared from all accuses because he
deserves it indeed! Thanks the lord that justice was made at last!
Welcome back among us Fr Joe.God bless You!
Steve Perici
Nov 16th 2008, 19:43
There are two observations which I draw from thi case
One , is that for people like myelf who have known Fr Joe through his pastoral work in our Parish even afer this whole ordeal have not a single doub in his integrity. His approacxh and committment to the people that need hi help in one form or other is in itself a witness of what he preaches
Secondly the local Authorities who have been part of this farse shoul be ashamed of their unethical contribution to such a sick transposition
Fr Joe I cannot tell you welcome back but just its good to have you aroun again !!!!
Ronnie Agius
Nov 16th 2008, 18:50
Now jusitice had been done Rev Joseph Grech is innocent.I know fr.Grech very well and he is a good example how to be a good priest lives the gospel at any time,he worries very much for people whom are emarginated and the sick people.A warm welcome had this weekend from all the parishiners because these two months all of us have missed him very much.He won his case victory for him and for us the parshiners.
Joe Zahra
Nov 16th 2008, 15:45
I think these comments are too one sided.
Claude Scicluna
Nov 16th 2008, 15:11
Fr. Joe is a person of integrity and humbleness which is so hard to find nowadays. He is so much loved and respected by everyone who knows him. Fr. Joe was, and will still remain a person who is always there were needed. Everyone who knows Fr. Joe personally was shocked to hear about such accusations !! We all knew that finally justice and the truth would prevail.
Thanks Fr. Joe for all you do for our City, for bringing hope to those in need, for the endless time you spend helping those which are in troubles, emarginated and the poor.
We never gave up on you .... like you never gave up on any of us !! You are and will always be a true example to those who have the luck and opportunity to get to know you.
Thanks for everything and welcome back with us !!
H Gatt
Nov 16th 2008, 12:23
@Astrid Bonnici
Mr. Schembri wrote: "Names should only be published if the person is found guilty and then only if s/he is a public figure whose crime directly relates to his duties." I see nothing wrong in that. If a person is found to be guilty they should be named and shamed. However, I disagree with Mr. Schembri that publication of names should only apply to public figures. Crimes, particularly those of a sexual nature, are extremely sensitive cases and it is therefore in everyone's interest that the identities of the guilty parties are published.
As for the other points you mention, I am in completely agree with you. The warder's case is a tragic miscarriage of justice that has completely ruined an innocent man's life!
Joseph Schembri
Nov 16th 2008, 09:50
@Richard Galea "What kind of investigation was carried out by the police? " Good point! Are some police officers perhaps too 'trigger happy' caring only about the number of prosecutions?
@peter grech "This woman should be punished" Another good idea! Accusers should be held responsible for their false accusations.
On a lighter note: In the unlikely case that the woman's story were true - why all the fuss? I'm not saying this because I am a man - why should a well adjusted adult person be disturbed by something, which to me at least, sounds hilarious!? As the famous actress said to the flasher. "Put it away please, I've seen bigger things crawl out of cheese."
Richard Galea
Nov 16th 2008, 09:09
We thank God for justice done. All those who know Fr. Joe never doubted the outcome. However, one thing worries me. What kind of investigation was carried out by the police? A professional investigation would have stopped the case going to court and all the subsequent suffering.
peter grech
Nov 15th 2008, 22:51
This woman should be punished for setting a bad name to Fr.Grech. I can think that this trauma will be running inside Fr.Grech till his end of life.
Frans Sammut
Nov 15th 2008, 21:19
I do not agree completely with Mr Schembri's well-meaning comments. I suspect someone was eyeing some huge sum of money that could be fleeced from the Church basing their calculations on stories originating in the US where the Church is known to have forked out considerable funds in such contexts. "L'appetito vien mangiando" sort of situation. I cannot substantiate my suspicions but are they really far-fetched?
Ray Schembri
Nov 15th 2008, 20:04
Fr.Joe is a very nice person indeed and a humble and dedicaited priest, I've know him many years ago (lucky for us, he wedded me and my wife) and everyone liked and loved him for his politness and respect to the community, so I am more then happy for him that his name has been cleared from such an ugly accuse, so God Bless you Fr.Joe, you are a good person and a good priest.
On the other hand, please everyone, try to understand the situation of this lady that reported the case, I know she has made a mistake and it could have led to much agony to our Fr.Joe, but try to understand that the lady at that time must have been shaken from the episiode and due to her fear she (unfortunetly) pointed at the wrong person, but we must all keep in mind that she was a victim and under such fear anyone can make a mistake, I wish her happiness in her life and hopefully she forgets all that happened to her and continue wiith her life. (I am sure Fr.Joe himself agrees to this)
Astrid Bonnici
Nov 15th 2008, 19:25
@H Gatt
Mr Schembri proposes that names should never be published and wants a law to reflect that. By what other name than 'gagging' should we call it?.
It is a rare person who would still cast a stone when none are warranted.Recently there was a case of a warder who was found not guilty of a crime which he did not commit. I don't recall anyone disagreeing with the verdict rather the reverse. In his particular case publicity/exposure did him nothing but good,so much so that he is in the process of asking for fairer compensation(and rightly so).
The injustice is in denying someone a fair hearing within a reasonable time, but that's another story.
H Gatt
Nov 15th 2008, 18:51
@Astrid Bonnici
I don't believe that Joseph Schembri or anyone else for that matter recommends gagging the press, but the truth is that once a person's reputation is tarnished the damage done is irreversible even if that person is proved innocent. So maybe a little sensitivity is warranted by the media when reporting such cases.
Another point one should mention is that there were many people who had a field day in this very same blog only a couple of months ago when it was mentioned that the man under investigation had a 'vocationary occupation' (in other words a priest). Sadly, I don't see any of those people apologising here!
In any case, thank God justice has been done to Fr. Grech and from other comments that I see here he can rest assured that the people of Senglea are already eagerly awaiting his return with open arms!
RODNEY FLATTLY
Nov 15th 2008, 17:42
fl ahhar iz zejt teghla fwicc l ilma, konna certi mil inocenza tieghek. thanks ta dak kollu li taghmel gewwa beltna ghalina is senglejani. welcome back to senglea
Joseph Schembri
Nov 15th 2008, 17:03
@Astrid Bonnici: I repeat that names of alleged perpetrators should under no circumstance ever be published. Once someone's name is tarnished especially with things related to sex it is impossible to clear it completely because doubts still persist in people's minds.
And pray, how does one go about suing and who does one sue and what does one get?
@Susan Leonard: If it were one man I'd say that there was something wrong with him but several men flashed you??? In any case you are entitled to enjoy your peace and so I suggest that in the future you should use ridicule as a weapon. As much as I hate to be a traitor of my gender, nothing deflates (no Freudian slips here) a man's ego like laughter!
Joseph Busuttil
Nov 15th 2008, 16:34
Welcome Back Canon Joe Grech, Our Parish, Senglea needs you. We never doubt about your innoncence.
Thanks to Christ the Redeemer and Virgin Mary.
stephen Marston
Nov 15th 2008, 15:51
Fr .Grech is one of the most beloved and trusted archiprist in Senglea. he visit the sick, help the poor and is always afront liner for the poor. Well done the poepole of Senglea are waiting for you to carry out your duties. thanks GOD
Astrid Bonnici
Nov 15th 2008, 15:10
You all talk as if priests don't commit indecent acts.Well.I'm afraid some of them do,their crime is considered greater and gets more publicity because they are supposed to lead by example and are in a position of trust as well moral guardians. This particular priest has been found not guilty,well and good for him. If he feels so inclined he can always sue. To use this as an example to gag the press from reporting is to go back to the Stalinist era and most of you,I'm sure would be the first to jump on your metaphorical high horse if that were to be
Susan Leonard
Nov 15th 2008, 14:01
Whilst I completely acknowledge the innocence of the much respected priest in this case, might we also accept that this was obviously a case of mistaken identity and therefore it is very unfair to acccuse the Swiss lady involved of inventing stories. It is I feel quite possible that the lady had the attentions of a "flasher" . I have lived many years in Malta and unfortunately have been subjected to numerous instances on Delimara and indeed even in Marsaxlokk Bay of men exposing themselves even though I was dressed in a extremely modest bathing costume, intent on having a quick refreshng swim and was not behaving in any way in a manner conducive to arousing male passions!!
Sharon Farrugia
Nov 15th 2008, 11:54
Thanks to Lors as Justice was made and a Great Welcome Back to Fr Joe! We always believed in you, cause we know what kind of priest are you.
Joseph Schembri
Nov 15th 2008, 09:09
This is exactly why the names of people accused of ANY alleged crime should never be published. Names should only be published if the person is found guilty and then only if s/he is a public figure whose crime directly relates to his duties. Eg. the public have nothing to gain if they are told that I, Joseph Schembri, was found guilty of evading taxes. It would be enough to say that a person was found guilty of evading taxes. But if the guilt appertains to the Commissioner of Inland revenue (a completely hypothetical case) then it might be in the public interest for the news to be made public.
The person mentioned in this article should thank the Lord that his name took only a few months to be cleared - which is surprising seeing the gross inefficiency of the 'justice' system in Malta. There are other men of the cloth whose case has been ongoing for six years.
Sandro Agius
Nov 14th 2008, 22:10
Nittama li l-gazzetti li habbru l-ahbar li qassis gie mwaqqaf fuq allegat abbuzz issa jiktbu fl-ewwel pagna statement biex jghidu li l-istess qassis ma nstabx hati u hareg nadif mill-kaz...malajr naghmlu plejtu imma biex naghmlu apologija indumu seklu....and here I'm not referring to The Times
Ronnie Gauci, Senglea
Nov 14th 2008, 19:20
Living in Senglea I know Fr. Grech and could not believe such allegations. I'm happy about the outcome and believe that justice was finally done. As others said I hope that this case will not stop here as regards Ms. Wiser, she almost ruined a person's life with her statements.
This is not the first time that a tourist came here and made allegations that they where raped or abused, allegations which later resulted in being made up or that they imagined everything, the Court cannot be lenient with such persons or as if nothing happened. Peoples' lives are at stake here!
s.bugeja
Nov 14th 2008, 18:20
@Christine galea
I don't recall making any gossip which would have put me on the same level as the woman who tried to besmirch fr.Joe.. Anyway, I just got to know who the priest involved is and I can say that he is one good bloke. What I have learnt though is that there are some really touchy persons around! Now I know that Fr. Joe will not be pressing charges against Ms. Wiser but is it fair that she gets to walk away free?
Marianne Mercieca
Nov 14th 2008, 18:18
Thank God that the truth came out. I am so sorry that this good and exemplary priest (and his family) had to go through such an ordeal. I never doubted his innocence. But is this woman going to pay for what she made him go through? I believe it's not enough for the newspapers to say he is not guilty almost two months after the initial accusations. I am sure that during this period he was made to suffer unnecessarily. Justice please!!!
carmen mangion
Nov 14th 2008, 17:02
I got to know Fr. Joseph Grech parish priest of Senglea, during his pastoral service at "Erin Serracino Inglott' Girls' Secondary school Cospicua, as: an extremely prudent and honest person in all sense; popular with students seeking confession; loved and respected by all - young and old; deeply missed by Cospicua parishioners (serving as vice-parish priest); and above all a holy priest working in silence. God bless you Fr. Joe!
Christine Galea
Nov 14th 2008, 15:59
@ S Bugeja
What a sweeping statement! Anyway I fail to see what place such inane comments have in this context. Fr Joe is a respected member of the community who was wrongly accused. Thankfully justice has been served. Wouldn't it be a good idea to allow him to resume his duties and his mission without useless gossip and silly comments being tossed around? May God bless you Fr Joe.
charlie cauchi
Nov 14th 2008, 13:43
issa immis li jitihdu il passi mehtiega fuq din il mara ta dak li ghamlet. min jaf lil fr. joe jaf xi bniedem hu il hsiebijiet tieghu dejjem immorru biex jghin kemm jistgha ikun nies. welcome back at senglea fr. joe
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 14th 2008, 13:42
It is a very sad truism that there is no crime more easy to accuse a man with, and no crime more difficult for the victim to disprove, than that of sexual abuse against a woman. Hats off to the wise lady magistrate who was not taken in by the wiles of another member of her sex!
s.bugeja
Nov 14th 2008, 12:59
I did not go into the merit of the case. I just remarked about the fact that whatever happens in Gozo be it good, bad or neutral has to involve the church or some member of the clergy.
V Xuereb
Nov 14th 2008, 12:53
I know Fr Joe and I know he is a good man and a good priest. It is a shame that he was made to go through this ordeal. Indeed justice has been done and the presumption of his innocence has been confirmed by the Courts. He must not be made to suffer any further.
Victoria Grech
Nov 14th 2008, 12:44
s. bugeja
the priest in question is not Gozitan but Maltese who was on holiday.
Kenneth Sciberras
Nov 14th 2008, 12:13
@ s.bugeja
How can you point a finger at the Priest or Church if Ms. Wise could not identify the so called aggressor herself? This is something that ticks me off...please be more careful about the capping of the church.
Adrian Falzon
Nov 14th 2008, 11:19
Finally, justice has been done. Hope that media such as TV news will report this positive news that Fr Joseph Grech was cleared of all the charges as they did when he was arraigned in court.
God Bless Fr Joe.
s.bugeja
Nov 14th 2008, 09:49
why is it that almost all news concerning Gozo has to involve priests or the church?