There’s been a steady decline in offences against police and public officials over the last four years. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA total of 297 people were convicted of offences against members of the police force and public officials between 2009 and last year, according to information given in Parliament yesterday.
In the period under review, 24 people were jailed and one was also fined.
Another 55 were given a suspended sentence. In 89 cases, those found guilty were conditionally discharged, including 20 who were also fined. Sixteen were only fined.
The information was given by Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia in reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Opposition MP Jason Azzopardi.
The peak year in terms of offences was 2010 when 94 persons were found guilty. Convictions steadily declined since, with 63 cases in 2011, 48 in 2012 and 39 last year.
Last year, 26 cases were still awaiting judgment, down from 34 in 2011.
Acquittals were negligible, with just one case each year being recorded between 2009 and 2013.
Courts no longer empowered to impose penalty below minimum recommended
Harsher penalties came into force last March following amendments to the Criminal Code. These came about as a result of a private member’s Bill by Dr Azzopardi in June last year.
The minimum jail term was raised from four months to a year and fines of at least €4,000 can be imposed.
The courts are no longer empowered to impose a penalty below the minimum recommended by law and each category of offence now carries a minimum fine.
In the case of members of the judiciary, the minimum sentence has been raised from two to four years in jail and a minimum fine of €5,000 in case of bodily harm.
The maximum penalty for such an offence is a seven-year jail term and a €25,000 fine.