A Gozitan man was yesterday sentenced for three months in prison and had a nine-month suspended jail term converted into effective imprisonment after being found guilty of assaulting eight police officers.

Magistrate Joseph Mifsud found Martin Carbonaro, 46, from Munxar, guilty of attacking the officers, injuring two men, disobeying police orders, breaching the peace, being drunk and disorderly in public, offending the police and relapsing.

Mr Carbonaro was also fined €800 and the magistrate warned him that assaults on the police were “inexcusable”.

The court pointed out that police officers should always be treated with respect and their orders obeyed.

Mr Carbonaro had consumed no fewer than 18 beers when the incident occurred.

“The court cannot turn a blind eye to such cases as if police officers were there to be challenged and have their orders disobeyed. Being under the influence of alcohol does not excuse such behaviour.

“These cases are on the rise and it is the court’s responsibility to protect officers, given that these are acting within their powers,” the magistrate said.

“The court would not like such instances to demoralise the police simply because they do not get adequate support,” he continued.

On the other hand, the court also noted the early guilty plea and the fact that Mr Carbonaro accepted to receive help for his alcohol addiction.

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