Charged with threatening four police officers in Marsa

Four police officers felt so threatened by a transsexual who swore and threw a packet of cigarettes at them after being arrested on prostitution charges they feared returning to Marsa where the incident occurred.

Richard Spiteri, 39, of Valletta, also known as Raquela, yesterday denied threatening three policewomen and a male constable who were on patrol in Marsa on Tuesday evening.

Police Inspector Graziella Muscat said the accused threatened the officers to such an extent they were now afraid to go to Marsa again. While in a holding cell at Marsa police station, the accused threw a packet of cigarettes containing a syringe at the officers, the inspector added, insisting that bail should not be granted.

Lawyer Charmaine Cherrett said her client was pleading not guilty to loitering for pros-titution purposes, threatening the officers, threatening to use violence against them, disobeying orders and throw-ing the packet of cigarettes at them.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna granted bail against a personal guarantee of €500 and ordered the accused not to approach Marsa or Gżira.

Lawyer Franco Debono also appeared for the accused.