Kullhadd editor Felix Agius was this morning cleared of libelling the director general of the Malta Communications and Consumer Affairs Authority Mireille Vella.

A story by Owen Galea published in in June 2010 stated that Dr Vella was carrying out private part time work without having the necessary permit.

Dr Vella claimed this was not the case.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale noted in his judgement that Dr Vella’s main complaint was the claim that she had been carrying out private work without the necessary permits.

But although Dr Vella insisted she had the permits, her claim was not corroborated with documentation or the evidence presented.

Magistrate Depasquale said that the story as reported was the result of investigative and faithful journalism by Mr Galea and Julia Farrugia, who had written another story on which Mr Galea had based his follow-up.