A police inspector suspended two years ago pending criminal proceedings yesterday won a warrant stopping a number of inspectors being promoted to superintendents.

Jeffrey Cilia, 40, from Balzan, is pleading not guilty to charges of causing serious injury to two people in Paceville.

Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon upheld his request to stop the internal promotion process, saying Mr Cilia had not been duly informed, although he had the right to apply.

The suspended officer told the court that, on August 9, “a departmental circular for internal calls” for the post of superintendent was sent to inspectors but he had not been notified despite still being in the force.

He said he was the sixth most senior of the 24 inspectors who applied, adding that it was up to the adjudication board, not the Police Commissioner, to decide on his eligibility.

The judge ruled that Mr Cilia was eligible to participate in the selection process for the promotions even though he was suspended.

Lawyer Edward Gatt appeared for Mr Cilia.