Court grants bail to businessman wanted in US
Fugitive Irishman Joseph O'Connor, who is wanted by the Southern Californian authorities for allegedly polluting San Diego harbour, was granted bail yesterday.
Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna granted bail in view of the fact that proceedings were now in an advanced stage and that the accused was considering giving himself up to the US authorities. Bail was granted on condition that Mr O'Connor make a deposit of €20,000, a personal guarantee of €30,000 and sign the bail book every day.
He is wanted by the American authorities for allegedly throwing concrete, plastic, scrap metal and other waste into the harbour in 2006 after carrying out renovation work on a fishing vessel, the 150-foot F/V Maru. The Maltese authorities managed to track him down through his tug-boat business in Malta.
The US authorities issued an arrest warrant in 2007 and the fugitive was brought to court to face extradition charges last July 16, after his photo and details had appeared on the Interpol website, in the wanted section, which gives a detailed description of him and the crimes he allegedly committed.
Lawyers Steve Tonna Lowell and Patrick Valentino appeared for Mr O'Connor.
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M.Degiorgio
Sep 5th 2009, 18:05
I suppose you're right, just like we Maltese are always right! However, if we are so right how is it that compared to a lot of countries (not just America) Malta is filthy and in shambles, not to mention all the other sectors where everybody does exactly what they like, when they like and how they like. Surely there's something wrong with our law enforcements systems?
joseph cachia
Sep 5th 2009, 14:03
REFERING to 'IRISH BOAT MASTER' Hundreds of YEARS OLD MALTESE LAW is based on LOGICS and JUSTICE and from time to time was tainted with logics from learned and experienced scholars who dwelt on OUR ISLAND. The MALTESE NATION is proud to be GOVERNED by it's LAW's
American laws were established couple of hundred years ago based on war-conflict-discrimination-hate-dominance and prejudice mostly by warmongers-settlers and slave traders. These are the basis of american so called justice practised today.
MALTA have nothing to learn from the american way of justice practice. In fact the opposite.
Polite only in their DRESSY HABIT and DOMINATION mentallity will never intimidate the
good natured MALTESE POPULATION or the JUDICATURE.
M.Degiorgio
Sep 5th 2009, 09:59
Very impressive and dissuading Californian law enforcement procedures when compared with our mediocre if any, Maltese law enforcements. Maybe the Maltese authorities should look and learn.