The police used undue force when they arrested the partner of a woman who was charged with threatening and offending police officers and not obeying their legitimate orders, a court found today

The woman, Margaret Micallef, who had also been charged with breaching the peace and refusing to give her particulars to the police, was found not guilty.

The case happened on June 26, 2003 at St George’s Bay, Birzebbuga.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani said in her judgement that from the evidence presented by the prosecution it appeared that the police had received a report that a couple were mistreating their children and a police sergeant went to investigate.

He found the accused with her partner and two small children who were crying. He requested their particulars and asked them to go to the police station. However, they refused saying they were not doing anything wrong.

The police said they had to arrest the partner but Ms Micallef hindered the police by grabbing her partner, who then escaped.

Social worker Christopher Abela had said that Ms Micallef was being given assistance because she lived in substandard accommodation and that together with her partner, was being taught parental skills.

The partner, Charles Gouder, had said that the accused was at the beach with her children when the police came. They were rough and aggressive, he said.

Ms Micallef had also gave evidence on this and said that Mr Gouder was dragged by the police.