Deal ends with judo move
A real estate agent who floored an angry client with a judo move four years ago was yesterday given a suspended jail term.
The client had phoned in threatening the agent over a promise of sale agreement that had been pending for two years. When he arrived at the agent's Dhalia office in Birkirkara, a scuffle ensued and 44-year-old Warren Azzopardi literally swept him off his feet and punched him a few times.
According to Mr Azzopardi, the client, Joe Borg, swore at him over the phone and even threatened to cut him with a knife. When he arrived at the office he started knocking angrily on the glass door.
The agent went outside and said that at that point Mr Borg tried to bite him on his face. Mr Azzopardi knocked him over, punched and kicked him once or twice as he tried to get up because he was scared of him.
The client gave a different version of events, saying Mr Azzopardi had provoked him. He admitted he had head-butted him to push him away.
Medical doctor Dino Vella testified that the victim had suffered trauma to his nose, three chipped teeth and concussion.
Magistrate Lawrence Quintano said there was no excuse for the way Mr Azzopardi had acted towards Mr Borg even if there were verbal threats and the alleged head butt.
The court handed down a nine-month jail term suspended for three years.
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DVella
Jun 4th 2009, 13:39
@Adrian Gouder:
You seem to know very little about Judo . . . or any other martial art for that matter!! Have you ever had to defend yourself against an agressor intent on causing you physical harm . . . and possibly bigger and heavier than yourself?? It is actually almost impossible to disarm, disable or restrain an aggressor intent on attacking you without actually harming him . . . if this 'client' threatened and approached Mr. Azzopardi in a threatening manner giving reason to believe that an attack was imminent, then he got what he deserved!!! My sympathies are entirely with Mr. Azzopardi.
Adrian Gouder
Jun 4th 2009, 11:55
It is indeed sad that such a situation should arise. Perhaps if Warren Azzopardi knew judo well, then he should have been in a position to hold him without further fighting.
But, if a client came to my place of work in a violent mood following a foul phone call, I would like to think I have a right to defend myself, adn I probably will. My honest sympathies Mr. Azzopardi.
john fenech
Jun 4th 2009, 11:50
Is this a warning from the courts against the use of excessive force from those trained in martial arts!? Are the martial arts masters evoking the use of minimum force for the effective restraint of the aggressor?
In the UK the professional in the field of health fitness are affiliated to ‘The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)’. The Register uses a process of self-regulation that recognises industry-based qualifications, practical competency, and requires exercise professionals to work within a Code of Ethical Practice. Members of the Register are given a card and registration certificate to prove their qualification and membership. Also known as the Exercise Register it operates in the UK and across the world to recognise personal achievement and competencies of qualified exercise professionals.
Should the authorities regulate to have such a register in order to protect the martial art students and the health and fitness club members?
icilia
Jun 4th 2009, 10:25
Ah so that is the latest example from our courts..
someone comes to attack you at your place of work... you defend yourself and then you get a suspended sentence for actually defending yourself when someone came specifically to intimidate you after swearing at you on the phone and threatening to cut you with a knife..
Even if provoked, it is not a justification to start head butting someone...
Our courts are just a bit of a farce IMO...
Mr Azzopardi, you have my sympathies...
Galea. L
Jun 4th 2009, 10:24
Say it with flowers eh!!!!!!