Cyclists mark Cliff Micallef anniversary - wife hopes for justice

joe borg

Aug 3rd 2010, 13:05

as the maltese justice syste, usually goes...............

they will wait for about 10 years until all the story is but a bad memory of soemthing that happened in the distance, than one fine day our reckless driver will be set free with just a fine and a pat on his shoulder wher he would be politely asked not to do it again .............

am i right?

Patrick Sacco

Aug 2nd 2010, 11:55

Justice has to be done!

olaf cassar

Aug 2nd 2010, 07:37

May the Micallef Family continue to find more strength & courage.

I would like to share some of my recent experiences regarding cycling in Malta. My reference to 'cyclists' within refers to the 'professional' type that are seen on the road with proper gear.

Most of the cyclists are very responsable, attentive & realistic (considering the restrictions of our roads). However, this does not apply to all such cyclists. On various occasions, cyclists are seen blocking the road because of their decision to cycle 'side by side' in pairs or even by three. This leaves no alternative for the vehicle driver, but to overtake with considerable risk.

However, I experienced a classic: I was driving through BIC Coast Road and through the curve that is / was marked as 'accident black spot' , a very wise cyclist (in full gear) decided to make a U-turn. YES, this happened about 2/3 weeks ago. He crossed from one side of the road to the middle (stood on double white line) and waited there. Then continued his journey after I decided to stop for his own safety.

Not only car drivers are idiotic at times. Quite a few cyclists need to learn too........

Maurizio Barbara

Aug 2nd 2010, 01:05

Also remembering that everytime you go to court for a hearing, you have to re-live the incident... which I believe is the most painful part. If decisions will be made immediately the ascent to Mt. Everest would have been much easier for family Micallef!

Reuben Gauci

Aug 1st 2010, 23:18

Driving dangerously should be viewed like the reckless firing of a gun in the midst of a crowd.

I weap for justice to be done.

Dani. Mangion

Aug 1st 2010, 19:17

This is sad, sick, and to be proud of, at the same time

Ms.Micallef described the past year as like "climbing the Everest". It is really sad to hear it from such a young women who, because of the arrogance of others has lost her husband.

A year has already passed from the murder of Cliff Micallef and the authorities still have not decided about what to do. This is sickening. Such a murder, and the criminal is still roaming our streets, and who knows? Maybe he'll run over another innocent person.

Still I'm really proud that the death of this filantropist was remembered by the 200 cyclists. This shows that Cliff is still alive in the heart of every cyclist who took part.

D Fenech

Aug 1st 2010, 14:32

My heart goes out to the Micallef family!
All I can say is that each time i meet a cyclist/s on the road and one's instinct is to feel," what a bother he's holding me back", I cannot but remember Cliff Micallef and do the right thing.
May he rest in peace and his dear family continue to find the strength to live.

Jon Attard

Aug 1st 2010, 14:03

This is a sad situation indeed.

I agree with Ms. Micallef that justice has to be done; however, unlike her I do not have confidence in our law courts.

victor borg

Aug 1st 2010, 13:20

What a great and sad loss. I cannot say i knew Cliff but i feel that i knew him all his life. I have
known his dad Milianu since we were young attending l-azzjoni kattolika in Qormi and met again
a few times afterwards when i was picking work he did for my son.I know Cliff's mother slightly
as i live next door to the Calleja business in B'kara. Yes it was a great loss for the families
involved and a loss for all of us.

daniel zammit

Aug 1st 2010, 12:43

I perfectly agree with both comments regarding the delay of justice.It seems that two weight and two measures are taken according to the severity of the crime and who is involved.Justice delayed is justice denied and in this case all the neccessary evidence is in place for a quick sentencing of the culprit who has shocked the whole biking community .

Roger Chenery

Aug 1st 2010, 11:29

I fully agree with G. Falzon as it sems to take forever here in Malta for justice to take its course.. As far as I know the accused driver in this case was later also linked to another hit and run accident by the police. It would appear to be normal procedure in this country to drag a case on as long as possible by using delaying tactics such as Lawyers or witnesses not turning up for hearings resulting in another six month or so delay etc etc. In the meantime valid witnesses also become unreliable because of the long time span.
The accused in the meantime is free to perhaps commit a similar crime and perhaps even cause another unnecessary death. It goes without saying that the present system gives more rights to the accused then it does to the victims family.

G Falzon

Aug 1st 2010, 10:46

Isn't it already too long waiting a whole year for "justice" to be done? The alleged hit-and-run culprit was tracked down within the hour. So, what is holding the course of justice? These things are unbelievable in a country that boasts of democracy, development and excellence!