A male nurse who touched an Iranian woman’s breast while treating her in an ambulance pleaded guilty yesterday to the criminal charges filed against him.

Lawrence Debono, 39, of Birkirkara, was placed on probation for two years after admitting violent indecent assault. After his guilty plea, Mr Debono, through his lawyer, Jason Azzopardi, apologised unreservedly for his actions. The woman, 20, accepted the apology.

Throughout the proceedings, Mr Debono stood silent in the dock with his hands tightly clasped. He was accompanied by a dozen or so of his work colleagues, who waited outside the courtroom.

In handing down judgment, Magistrate Doreen Clarke warned Mr Debono he would have to obey every instruction issued by his probation officer. This included any recommendation to seek psychological help. “All appointments with the probation officer are as important as appearing in court,” she said.

The incident happened on Sunday at about 1.30pm when Mr Debono was on ambulance duty. It had been called to take the woman to hospital for treatment on the recommendation of her doctor.

The nurse was alone with the woman, contrary to standard practice

Sources said the nurse was alone with the woman inside the ambulance as the porter sat in front, contrary to standard practice. Mr Debono briefly touched the woman’s breast over her clothes.

After leaving the Emergency Department at Mater Dei , the woman approached two police officers to report the abuse. The hospital said on Sunday evening it had opened an internal investigation into the matter.

Before the start of proceedings the magistrate called the prosecution and the defence into her chambers. In sentencing, she took note of Mr Debono’s clean criminal record and ordered that the victim’s name be withheld.

Police inspectors Jonathan Ransley and Sylvana Briffa prosecuted. Lawyer Kris Busietta appeared for the defence. Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia appeared parte civile for the woman.