The policeman who was run over was a tragic victim of circumstances beyond his control. What happened to him should not happen to anyone, on duty or not. He was maimed for life and, one hopes, the Police Corps will support him to the hilt and ensure the family does not suffer financially. I hope all policemen are covered by some form of insurance.

However, I do not understand why a victim should be given the status of a hero.

The policeman in question was not hurt trying to save someone else, nor was he, unfortunately, in a position to help himself. The officer is a victim of circumstances pertaining to his work as a policeman.

To date, I did not feel strongly about having this policeman described as a ‘hero’ and, therefore, never commented. However, this individual’s reaction to a proposed eight-minute interview on TV with the young man accused of his attempted murder certainly does not show any ‘heroic’ traits.

We have heard through the media all about the fact that the policeman was “deliberately” run over. We have seen on TV solidarity marches, which included the President of Malta.

We have learnt that this policeman is a family man known for his kindness and actually accompanied a woman, about to give birth, to hospital. We have learnt about his family, his need for a prosthetic arm from the United States. It was alleged on the media that the accused young man was on drugs and fingers were pointed at his mother, practically accusing her of disowning him.

And, yet, this policeman believes it will not be in his interest if the young man is allowed to speak on TV for eight minutes on issues unrelated to the case, though he was very happy to agree to give a 45-minute interview, also on TV.

To me, this smacks of a sheer desire for revenge, not justice.

I would imagine nothing would satisfy this policeman unless, and until, this young man is locked up for life in a prison.

I can almost see this policeman celebrating, when the case is over; the size of the celebration in proportion to the severity of the judgement.

Revenge is sweet; it is the aftertaste that is bitter - Joshua Caleb.