The court today revoked a decree it issued on Wednesday, finding Acting Police Commissioner Ray Zammit in contempt of court.

The court revoked its decree after Mr Zammit today filed an application in court objecting to the decree.

He had been found in contempt for failing to notify an accused to appear in court, forcing again the postponement of judgment in a libel case.

He called on the court to revoke its decree particularly the part holding him personally responsible.

In his decree, Magistrate Francesco Depasquale had said "it was evident" that there were "attempts to tamper with the justice system".

"The court finds this interference unacceptable and deplores the behaviour of the acting Police Commissioner and the accused," the magistrate said. He fined Mr Zammit €300.

Mr Zammit said there was absolutely no attempt to tamper with the justice system and he did not even know about the case that was being handled by one of his officers.

The Acting Commissioner said he was hurt by the Court’s remarks which were unjustly directed at him.

He promised to do his utmost to improve the notifications system for the situation to be improved and similar incident avoided.

In its decision, the court said it understood the reasons given by the Acting Commissioner and observed that its decree was addressed to Mr Zammit as the head of the force and not at him personally.

It said it had no intention to drag the matter and appreciated the fact that arrangements were to be made for such situations not to be repeated and for this matter to the resolved. The court offered its assistance towards the finding of a solution.

It said it took its action because the case had been pending for more than 13 years and was based on the legislation at the timeand because the prosecutor was not attending the sittings.

The court said it was unfair that criminal libel proceedings were left pending for such a long time and was sure that the Commissioner was of the same opinion.

The fine was also revoked.