The driver of Labour MP Charles Buhagiar will be facing charges of assault after allegedly biting a Valletta resident last month, according to police records.
The incident happened early in the afternoon on June 21 in Old Mint Street, corner with St John’s Street, Valletta, in full view of a police officer who was present, the records show. CCTV footage is being viewed by the police forensics department.
Oliver Baldacchino suffered bruises and lacerations, according to a medical report. He had bite marks on his left arm and elbow and abrasions on his side, the report notes.
The police report states that the victim parked his car and went into his house. Later, he noticed from the balcony that some of the cars were being removed. He asked a police officer there whether he wanted him to move his car too.
Although the officer said he would let him know soon, Mr Baldacchino still went down to move his car at which point Albert Falzon, Mr Buhagiar’s driver, emerged from the nearby offices of the Building Industry Consultative Council, which the Labour MP chairs.
According to the police report, Mr Falzon started swearing and hurling insults, demanding the car be moved. Mr Baldacchino reported that he was then attacked by Mr Falzon who bit him at least three times. The police officer on site intervened.
When contacted, MP Buhagiar said he had no intention of taking any action until the case was concluded in court.
Asked whether he thought it was justified to suspend his driver until then, Mr Buhagiar said: “I’m not taking one man’s word for it. I won’t risk a man’s daily bread over some allegations.”
Mr Buhagiar said that he had not spoken to his driver about the incident, adding he “had some idea something had happened”.
This newspaper asked Mr Buhagiar to provide his driver’s contact details so his version of events could be reported. Mr Buhagiar said he would first ask his driver and come back but no reply was forthcoming by the time of writing.
Mr Falzon had already been convicted for assault and had received a two-year jail term suspended for three years.