Probation for police assault

A man with a string of convictions has been put on probation for three years after being caught red-handed trying to steal a car and assaulting the policeman who nabbed him.

Joseph Grech, 55, of Qawra, known as Iz-Zinnannà, pleaded guilty to the charges and to insulting two police officers, disobeying the police and relapsing.

The incidents happened in Gżira on August 20, 2006.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard probation officer Marietta Lanzon explain that over the past few years Mr Grech has overcome his drug addiction and settled down with his partner with whom he has three children.

However, the magistrate said she could not ignore the fact that he had 11 convictions on his criminal record that included theft, assault of public officers and drug trafficking and possession.

For these reasons the magistrate put him under the supervision of a probation officer for the maximum period allowed by law, that is, three years.

Police Inspectors Malcolm Spiteri and Keith Arnaud prosecuted.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for Mr Grech.