Police inspector acted correctly

I refer to the judicial protest presented in the names of Maria Magdalena Sultana vs. Commissioner of Police, reported in this newspaper (Arraignment Notice "Too Short", November 21). During the first sitting before the court, the issue was clarified.

It transpires that Inspector Joseph Agius, who handled the relative arraignment, had in fact acted correctly. After an ongoing investigation he decided that it was necessary to arraign Mrs Sultana under arrest.

This decision was taken at around 2 p.m. and he duly notified the Magistrates Courts. The inspector instructed his subordinates to inform the partner of the accused of the forthcoming arraignment so that Mrs Sultana's lawyer could be contacted.

Unfortunately her partner only managed to contact the lawyer late in the day after 4.30 p.m. and erroneously informed him that the arraignment was going to be held at 5.15 p.m. when in fact it was going to be at 4.45 p.m. On account of this misunderstanding Mrs Sultana appeared unassisted and the issue in question cropped up.

I am therefore writing to clarify matters and to state publicly that Inspector Agius performed his duties diligently and according to law.

I state this for the record because by means of the relative protest I inadvertently put the inspector in bad light.