Court blames flat owner for partial floor collapse

A man whose apartment floor partially collapsed on two women, one of whom is 80 years old, was yesterday fined €1,000 for causing involuntary grievous bodily harm.

Philip Agius, 40, had been retiling his flat in Isouard Street, Marsa in June 2004 when two stone slabs forming part of the flooring gave way and fell ont Carmela Muscat, who lives in the flat beneath, and on her daughter Maria Dolores.

Mrs Muscat suffered extensive bruising and injuries to the back of her head but has since fully recovered. Her daughter was slightly injured.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona said Mr Agius had failed to take the necessary precautions when carrying out works in his flat.

The magistrate took into consideration the fact Mr Agius had paid for the damage caused and that the victim had fully recovered.

Lawyer Joseph Brincat appeared for Mr Agius.

Lawyer Kris Busietta appeared parte civile.