Mum fears for sons’ safety as burns probe takes time
A mother whose twin sons were burnt with cigarettes more than four months ago is still waiting for police to take action against the man who the boys claim was responsible for hurting them.
On August 25, Suzanne Formosa’s six-year-old boys returned home with cigarette burns on their fingers, back, legs and tummy. One of them had five burns and the other had three.
She filed a police report the day after and police took a statement by the boys, who told them what had happened when they were in their father’s custody and identified the man who caused their burns (not the father).
Ms Formosa complains that no action has yet been taken against the alleged perpetrator and she fears her sons are still in danger. As the police gather evidence, the children visit their father four times a week, which means the perpetrator knows where to find them.
“This was not just about mistakenly dropping ash. This was a burn, literally, a hole in the body… Just having one is one thing but having all these – look how clear they are,” Ms Formosa said as she held up photographs of her sons’ blistered bodies.
She insisted she wanted to speak up because something had to be done about such delays.
“This is something people saw, the children spoke out, the burns were there, the police were informed, Appoġġ was informed, I’ve been all over the place… and nothing, for four whole months,” she said.
The police said they were investigating the case and that the lack of action so far was due to “certain inconsistencies” in the children’s version of events.
When Ms Formosa discovered the burns last August the boys told her they were mosquito bites. A child psychologist later told her it was normal for children to lie to protect people.
The following day she took them to the Gżira health centre. They told the doctor they had been burnt with cigarettes and mentioned the name of the man who did it.
The doctor drew up a report, seen by The Times, and Ms Formosa then went to the Sliema police station. Police there spoke to the boys and what they told them was included in their report, also seen by this paper.
When the police officer asked them where the incident happened they said it was “during the feast of St Julian’s where there were the stairs, the boats and the ducks” – referring to Spinola Bay.
The Sliema police then sent the case to the St Julian’s police station since the incident happened there.
Meanwhile, Ms Formosa filed an application in court to stop the boys from visiting their father, believing they were in danger. This was acceded to for three weeks but it was later overturned since the court had no evidence of where and by whom the boys were injured.
Ms Formosa then went to Appoġġ, the government support agency, and was initially told they had not received her file from the police. Once the file was open, however, the agency spoke to the children and carried out a surprise visit at their school.
The police said: “Appoġġ has been involved in this investigation as a normal practice since children are involved. Suspects are prosecuted only when the police have exhausted all the investigations and that there is prima facie evidence that the accused has a case to answer.”
When contacted, Appoġġ said it could not divulge information on specific cases due to confidentiality; however, all referrals of abuse or child maltreatment “with evident physical symptoms” were dealt with urgently.
“Investigations about child abuse cases are given priority… and the agency ensures the child’s safety is given utmost importance. Duration of investigations by Appoġġ and assessments depend on the case and the severity of abuse. Furthermore in situations where the police and/or courts are involved, the agency works hand in hand with these entities, and the course of action is determined in liaison with them.”
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94 Comments
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Christopher Grech
Jan 4th, 11:25
It could be very well an excuse by the mother to take full custody. The fact that the children were inconsistent with thier versions is proof.
Children should not be used as pawns either way, and the mother should have not exposed this case to the general public as the children themselves would be put in the spotlight, as this would be actually more harmful than the scars.
James Tyrrell
Jan 4th, 14:16
'The fact that the children were inconsistent with their versions is proof,' of absolutely nothing. What a silly statement. The children are 6 years old for God's sake. They are going to give a different version of events depending on which parent they are with at the time because they want to please both.
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 8th, 16:22
When they saw in the media the authorities started doing something, ok.
YES, James that's what happened!
James Tyrrell
Jan 3rd, 15:42
What this boils down to is the very simple fact that at the time of these injuries the children were in the custody of their father. It was their father's responsibility to protect them from harm yet from what the children say he actually helped in their torture. If the children come to any further harm it will be the responsibility of the police and the courts due to their failure to act.
Ms.D. Galea
Jan 3rd, 12:46
What sort of so -called civilized society are we living in, when the most vulnerable of its members. in this case, young children, are not given the protection they need.
Is not the mother justified in this case, if she might decide to refuse to send her children to their father so long as the alleged perpetrator of this violence is not apprehended by the police?
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 22:35
The more I think about the reported circumstances of this case the more concerned I become that there is not a dedicated specialist Police unit responsible for investigating child abuse. If this is the case then perhaps the Maltese Police should urgently look abroad for guidance and instruction to set up a unit to ensure that these cases have clear ownership and are professionally managed.
paul camilleri
Jan 3rd, 09:38
Mr Dewar while some of your comments are agreeable it is also stated by the police that the account given by the boys has “certain inconsistencies" which only makes it harder for the police to find the truth and the whole truth. this reminds me of that boy in school lying to his mother about actions taken by a teacher which were untrue and as a consequence the teacher got beaten up!!
James Dewar
Jan 3rd, 12:20
@ Paul Camilleri: Yes Paul I agree that inconsistencies must be checked and bottomed out but how long does it take? In addition we are dealing with very young children who are probably very confused and afraid and may well have been pressurised into covering up for the perpetrator.
paul camilleri
Jan 3rd, 13:37
if there are inonsistances then it takes as long as it takes to get to the truth and make a conviction stick. but it may also be that the boys are making it up to cover what they are actually doing themselves. i.e playing with fireworks or other flamable stuff.
James Dewar
Jan 3rd, 17:51
@ Paul Camilleri: Paul the "takes as long as it takes" maxim is not appropriate when child welfare issues are at stake and enquiries must be progressed urgently. In the interim if there are outstanding issues that can not be readily confirmed or resolved arrangements should be put in place to protect the children and they should not be left exposed to further abuse as reported in this case.
paul camilleri
Jan 4th, 08:08
Mr Dewar
If a person is really doing this to the children he should be locked away but would you like to have a person locked up without conclusive evidence?this is the whole point of the case if the police found inconsistency with what the boys are saying this means they are not sure that the boys are really being abused or causing self inflicted injuries.
Ms. P.M Graham
Jan 2nd, 21:00
Time for a special constabulary to be set up consisting of officers trained solely for this sort of incident. Children ordinarily at this age do not lie but can become confused under,for the want of a better word,interrogation.The Father's visitation should cease until this matter has been concluded, but then it's the same old story, parents have all the rights whilst children have none
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 3rd, 09:25
Yes you are right!
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 2nd, 20:36
Mr. Galea: Not the European Union but the local AUTHORITIES are the culprits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
M. Zammit
Jan 2nd, 19:02
And what does the father say in this matter? Where was he when the boys were burnt?
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 22:13
according to the boys he was present and even lifted up one of the boys t-shirts the
boys stated this to the police not to me
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:05
Unbelievable that a case of this nature is still pending. Someone needs to take ownership as a matter of urgency.It strikes me that there has been a lack of urgency throughout which suggests apathy, incompetence, or negligence or maybe all three. What is evident is a total lack of leadership and concern for the ongoing welfare of the children. Surely not another "Only In Malta" in the making.
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 3rd, 21:57
i asked for monitored access even that was denied what the judge gave was that the kids were to be taken to a clinic every time he collects them and before he gets them to make sure no more harm was done can you imagine that on the boys as well
vincent a galea
Jan 2nd, 17:06
Din bis-serjeta' ??!!
Seeing the damage caused to these children's arms make me feel sick!!
Are we living in some third world jungle state??
Where is the European Union??
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 2nd, 20:27
Not the European Union but the local AUTHORITIES!!!!!!!
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 22:11
maltese courts are not supported by european union, even called them
Denis Pace
Jan 2nd, 23:22
X'ghandha x'taqsam!!!
Gillian Snook
Jan 2nd, 16:55
So there are certain inconsistencies - for goodness sake they are 6 years old and probably mentally scarred as well as actually scarred by this event.
Surely 4 MONTHS is long enough to sort out the facts.
Rosalind Agius
Jan 2nd, 16:35
If the children were truly burnt between them 8 times, than these children are truly in danger. Please help this mother and her children.
maryanne cachia
Jan 2nd, 16:31
Fuq lappogg ghax ma jmorrux meta jkunu ma missierom mela l iskola .Jien kelli kas it-tifel waqa 2 sulari u ma ghamlux raport il pulizijal .Meta ghamilt raport l appogg marru u qalulom jghamlu pogamann .Ghaddew 6 snin u pogamann ghadu ma saqrx. Diki sserjeta li qedin .Jien kieku manibatomx ma missierom sakemm jinstab min ghamlilom hekk.
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 3rd, 22:04
i cannot not send them because the judge ordered for my arrest if i dont so i had no choice
Charles Grixti
Jan 2nd, 15:59
This is shameful especially when the perpetrator is still running loose.
In my opinion these cases should be given PRIORITY and not considered to be just another file on your desk Mr. Investigator !!!
WE WANT ACTION PLEASE - NOW, before we see the headlines in our newspapers of yet another tragedy ….. which unfortunately always seems to be the case !!
Grace Delicata
Jan 2nd, 15:58
Well, If this can take place while under the father's care, at what point will Appogg/police consider lack of appropriate care as leading to child endangerment? He can't have been looking after them too well.
Joseph Buhagiar
Jan 2nd, 15:45
This is unacceptable by any measure.
A mother and child finds herself in a hopeless and weak situation unless the Police HELP, HELP to make this happen and bring whoever it was to justice.
Surely the Police and the Government cannot look the other way to this.
Mohabf Fahmi
Jan 2nd, 15:37
Can this get any more disgusting? Little children and because the legal system is still dragging its fee nothing happens. its simple. if the kids are not hurt when with the mother they go there. if they go the father and they get burns etc then you remove from the father's care and revoke his visitation rights. this is not oversimplification but common logic. enough with a legal system that stinks
J. Camilleri
Jan 2nd, 15:08
The problem in this case is: they believed the boys that the place was spinola bay, so they sent the case to st'julians. But they are believing how the burns or who made them............ we are believing these boys or not.
J. Camilleri
Jan 2nd, 15:22
....But they are not believing how the burns came or who made them....... we are believing these boys or not
James Tyrrell
Jan 2nd, 14:28
Why have we not heard from the father in this case? Obviously the animal who did this is known to the father. Now if they were my boys and someone I know burned them with cigarettes he would be in hospital eating through a straw! Probably in a year's time the police will say they are still gathering evidence and then perhaps a trial 10 years after that. Maltese style!
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 22:07
he still sees my kids despite what he did to them his brother is always present with cigerates in front of them
James Dewar
Jan 3rd, 19:01
@ Suzanne: Maybe we should refrain from identifying possible / alleged suspects if we expect whoever is ultimately charged to receive a fair trial and not encourage vigilante type behaviour or allegations that his / her right to a fair trial was ruined by comments in the media.
Pauline Abela
Jan 4th, 05:01
Good comment, Mr Dewar. I note, however that Ms Formosa is not accusing anyone, she is merely stating that the brother is always present. Others may also be present.
Ms Formosa, well done for trying your hardest to make your voice heard and to protect your boys. Please be careful what you say as Mr Dewar is correct and what you say could backfire.
Can you stop the father from seeing kids?
Paul Azzopardi
Jan 2nd, 14:19
Alot can go wrong in this scenario especially if the police are taking their time to react to this cry for help. We dont know if the perpitrator could get at the kids or mother for talking. They know who he is then whats holding them back? Why does a citizen have to resort to publicity to maybe get a reaction from the Authorities??
Anthony Charles Abela
Jan 2nd, 14:15
The police said "...lack of action so far was due to certain inconsistencies in the children's version of events".
I find this hard to comprehend as usually it is when two people, or as in this case, two children, are consistent is when bells ring leading to allegations of collusion. I fear this may be another case of either gross incompetence or failure in the judiciary system in Malta. AC.Abela
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 22:05
the kids always said the same to the doctor to the inspecter and surgenta in sliema the same version of events even to appogg the boys dont lie they are only 6 and always consistent in their injuries
John Spiteri
Jan 2nd, 13:38
Only in backward malta are children not been given the protection they deserve. Disgusting!
John Spiteri
Jan 2nd, 13:35
When are the maltese authorities going to start valuing what children say. Its backward not to believe in children.
S. Camilleri
Jan 2nd, 13:18
Its incredible that this woman had to go to the media to get what is hers by right!
In the meantime could it be that the police of St.Julians and Sliema are still arguing between them as to who is supposed to handle the case?? (It happened once to me on a much more insignificant issue!!)
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:12
Yes, one wonders. I find it ridiculous that further delay and obstruction has been caused to what is an urgent enquiry as a result of the enquiry being passed from one Police station to another. Is there no centralised specialist Police child abuse unit in Malta to assume responsibility for such allegations and fast track enquiries to ensure the welfare of the victims?
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 22:03
how true my report was made in sliema but then discovered that the incident happened in st julians
Richard Ellul
Jan 2nd, 13:06
If the perpetrator is not in prison he may do something that may permanently make the kids to shut up. Therefore the police should protect these kids and their mum asap. I would like to tell the cops that their job is a vocation and not just a job to get a pension after 25years. Cops that do not protect the innocent need a conscience check and maybe make space for conscientious cops.
P Bonnici
Jan 2nd, 13:36
Unfortunately that is not the mentality of most police officers in Malta, though there are a few good ones but these tend to submit to the unpleasant ones. The good ones are too scared of losing their jobs if they step out of line. Better shut up and keep head down - don't rock the boat. I worked in that environment before and I know what I am saying.
J Martinelli
Jan 2nd, 13:59
I don't think anyone has to tell the cops to do their job, how to do it, while reminding them that theirs is a 'vocation' & not a job leading to 'a pension after 25 years' (of service).
The police cannot proceed against anyone without obtaining sufficient evidence first. When a case involves young children there may be conflicting evidence which will cause the case to be thrown out of court.
P Bonnici
Jan 2nd, 15:09
J Martinelli
I agree with your second paragraph.
Richard Ellul
Jan 2nd, 15:25
@ J Martinelli
This seems more like procrastination to me. Arrests should have taken place at once to interrogate suspects. Was this done?
"A mother whose twin sons were burnt with cigarettes more than four months ago is still waiting for police to take action against the man who the boys claim was responsible for hurting them." The boys have identified who is responsible. I rest my case
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:15
@ J Martinelli: Yes evidence is required but the length of time being taken to gather and analyse the available evidence is unacceptable given the nature of the allegation and the age of the victims who according to this article, remain exposed to danger.
G Schembri
Jan 2nd, 19:38
J. Martinelli what evidence can they collect, the boys showed them the cigarette burns, and have named the man who did it to them. What other evidence do they need maybe a corps of one of the children. Had I been the boys' father I would have severed all communication with this man even if he'd been my father.
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 22:01
they even had the cheek to tell me it can take up to 2 years investigation
Richard Ellul
Jan 3rd, 19:12
@ Suzanne Formosa
I really sympathise with you. I know what your children are feeling.
J Galea
Jan 2nd, 12:40
Very worrying indeed...
P Buħaġiar
Jan 2nd, 12:35
they were in their father’s custody and identified the man who caused their burns (not the father).?
When Ms Formosa discovered the burns last August the boys told her they were mosquito bites.?
Meanwhile, Ms Formosa filed an application in court to stop the boys from visiting their father?
It's a matter who's telling the "TRUTH". Stop judging people and the police force.
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:19
If the enquiry had been progressed with the required degree of urgency and professionalism we wouldn't be in a position where the need was felt to question or doubt those involved.
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 21:58
i suggest you read the story well
Karl Grech
Jan 2nd, 12:29
all referrals of abuse or child maltreatment “with evident physical symptoms” were dealt with urgently.
Imagine if they weren't dealt with urgently!!! How long does it have to take to bring the "person" who did this to justice?
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 21:57
exactly
Cecil Herbert Jones
Jan 2nd, 12:19
No excuses! Just imagine the mother everytime she sees her kids, the first thing traumatising her mind is to check for any new marks on their bodies! Is there no regard to her dilemma? Aside from her kids' safety what about her peace of mind....or is there no peace of mind in Malta?
Shakira Grixti
Jan 2nd, 11:56
the nerve of some people !! i would burn him alive if i where their mother sick people like this should belong or behind bars or under the toombstone...
Tanja Cilia
Jan 2nd, 11:27
"...they said it was “during the feast of St Julian’s where there were the stairs, the boats and the ducks” – referring to Spinola Bay." and "...the court had no evidence of where [ ] the boys were injured." This means the boys are being accused of lying. Not good.
Victor Pulis
Jan 2nd, 11:15
the agency(Appogg) spoke to the children and carried out a surprise visit at their school.
Why the school? is that the place and time to interview the children?
G curmi
Jan 2nd, 11:07
Sinjura Formosa,
Jekk hemm bzonn anke ghand il-President mur.
Mela konna tant poplu maghqud fl-Istrina biex nghinu u issa nhalluk wahdek lilek u lis-subien!
Dawn l-affarijiet fil-films tal-biza' tarahom!
Nittama li nisimghu l-ahbar li azzjoni ttiehdet, fil-kaz Sinjura erga' semma' lehnek, imma tahlix zmien!
It-tfla m'ghandhomx JINTMESSU!!!!!!
Suzanne Formosa
Jan 2nd, 21:55
anke ittra lil president mort tajt u email ukoll u ir risposta kienet li ma jistax jindahal faffarijiet tal qorti
Amanda Sciberras
Jan 2nd, 11:06
Poor these boys, so young and had to go through such trauma. I wonder how could anyone hurt with such cruelty two little kids. I hope these kids get protection as soon as possible.
Lisa Fenech
Jan 2nd, 10:57
This mother shouldn't have to go through all this ! And the boys should be protected at all cost !
Joseph John Zammit
Jan 2nd, 10:38
Pulizijja tal misthijja. Full stop.
P Bonnici
Jan 2nd, 10:13
I hope the prime minister and the police commissioner read this report and act.
Joseph N. Attard
Jan 2nd, 10:28
That is the problem Mr. Bonnici. We express our thoughts on all sorts of subjects here, but it is very doubtful whether the officials or politicians concerned take much notice. The only reaction that may be remotely forthcoming is when elections are approaching.
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 2nd, 10:38
Hear Hear!
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:24
@ Joseph N Attard: I have often thought that despite being provided with a first class medium by T.O.M to voice opinions no notice seems to be taken by those in the Government, Police or Judiciary. Whilst I acknowledge that some extreme opinions should be dismissed out of hand there are many concurring sensible postings that the authorities would do well to consider.
R Axisa
Jan 2nd, 10:11
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121231/local/Judiciary-allowances-go-up-ahead-of-reform.451434
Hearing such a story, I wonder whether the judiciary merit such further allowances.
E. Vassallo
Jan 2nd, 10:31
Th Judiciary have nothing to do with it. It is the work of the police to prosecute. Check your facts before making such comments.
Norman George
Jan 2nd, 12:09
You are right Mr. Vassallo but now when the case goes to court, if there is no admission, we'll probably get a sentence in 20 years time - the whole system does not need an upheaval but an an earthquake!!
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 2nd, 10:10
I can vouch for the truthfulness of this story!
P. Ciantar
Jan 2nd, 10:56
then Anton the police are not doing their duty it seems !
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:48
Encouraging brief comment. All aspects? Have you provided a Police statement to that effect backed up by facts?
Claire Bezzina
Jan 2nd, 10:04
what a shame!! is this justice to the poor boys?? how cruel people can be. i hope who did it is put in jail like today!!!
joe galea
Jan 2nd, 09:52
Vera tal misthija dan il pajjiz!!! imbasta niftahru
Anton Muscat Doublesin
Jan 2nd, 10:36
Veru you right!
Lisa Fenech
Jan 2nd, 10:58
I agree with you 100%
Joseph N. Attard
Jan 2nd, 09:43
The weary old story of inaction possibly leading to tragedy. Then we will hear the same old weary excuses: "We did not realize...."; "There was no indication...."; "We never expected.....". Yes, indeed, one cannot blame the public for having the general perception that certain people will always take the line of least resistance for a quiet life.
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:28
Yes, the all too familiar "we will learn the lessons from this case" (when it is far too late for the victims) would seem to be looming in the distance.
C Muscat
Jan 2nd, 09:37
L-aqwa li nghidu u niftahru meta jkun involut xi magistrat. Imbaghad tisma b dawn il-kazi ta kuljum u qisu ma gara xejn.
Carmel Frendo
Jan 2nd, 09:26
Is this story true? Is it possible that after four months nothing is decided ? I don't wonder that a lot of people have lost confidence in some authorities
paul camilleri
Jan 2nd, 09:58
i have to comment to your ill understanding of police procedures. yes months have gone by without any signs of an arrest, but would you rather have the person/s responsible to get away scot free due to lack of evidence? let the police do what they do best and catch criminals and stop this empty talk of which i am sure is just to draw attention to you.
Richard Ellul
Jan 2nd, 13:21
@ Paul Camilleri
Are you joking??? Unsolved murders, how many???
James Dewar
Jan 2nd, 18:33
@ Paul Camilleri: Paul, I agree that Police must be allowed to carry out their enquirers to ensure a water tight case. There are however realistic timescales to be observed and procedures must be seen to be professional and efficient. This does not seem to be the case here where it would appear that the victims remain in danger and nothing has been done to eliminate or even reduce that risk.
Marthese Mussett
Jan 2nd, 09:25
I pity the boys and their mother,who are doing all this running around and got nowhere yet.
Paul Caruana
Jan 2nd, 09:25
The wheels of government bureaucracies all over the world turn and turn.....but to what avail?
godfrey caruana
Jan 2nd, 11:37
pail caruana x'ghandu x'jaqsam il-gvern u l-burokrazija,hija xi haga tal-pulizija u li jidher hawn hu li m'hemmx provi cari,min jaf kieku jarrestaw xi wiehed bi zball u ma jnumx hu xi nghidu wara
P Bonnici
Jan 2nd, 13:42
godfrey caruana
If the police want to find evidence they will. We are talking about a minor and not an adult and this is a very serious assault on a minor.
Martin Saliba
Jan 5th, 14:34
It is also a very serious acusaation . Women have cried rape and later admited to making up their story . Women have also mde their children to say that they have been sexually abused by their father . Im sure their are cases and examples of fathers doing the same thing but to convict a person , male or female , on the testimony or rather story of a 6 year old is a very dangerous thing .
Please choose the reason of your report below: