Eric Borg Murder Suspect Had A Domestic Violence Claim Against Him Prior To Shooting
The man accused of murdering Eric Borg in Rabat on New Year’s Day had been reported to the police in the past due to alleged domestic violence and other violent assaults, Times of Malta reported from court.
Prosecuting inspector Wayne Camilleri presented reports linked to Noel Azzopardi, the man accused of Borg’s murder, at the compilation of evidence earlier today.
The most recent report was filed by a third party who alleged domestic violence and psychological harm.
In addition to the assault allegations, he spent three months in Mount Carmel 12 years ago, yet he was allowed to own six shotguns which were confiscated after the homicide.
The earliest report that was presented dates back to 2011, when Azzopardi was reported for alleged violent indecent assault by a man and woman.
Other reports related to Azzopardi included missing items – such as a golf necklace and ID card – as well as reports of a civil nature.
In April 2012, the police received a call from his sister who said she was worried about him after he said he was feeling “sad and upset”.
He spent three months at Mount Carmel that same year between July and September where he showed non-compliance to medication, and temper outbursts, according to medicolegal expert Mario Scerri.
Azzopardi discharged himself.
He further visited a psychiatrist throughout 2016 and 2017 and in the following two years, but the psychiatrist’s notes were not found in the patient’s file.
The murder
The suspect, who is pleading not guilty, walked into the Rabat police station a few hours following the murder, and the court sitting heard his first comments to the police.
Azzopardi was joined by his father and a family who said that their “conscience had prompted them to” do so, and because they knew that he “had some issue”.
After verifying that Azzopardi had nothing in his possession that could pose a danger, he was placed under arrest, and presented with his letter of rights, however, he indicated that he could not read.
Upon being questioned, Azzopardi said that he went to his field to take out his dog when an argument broke out with Borg who allegedly said “Are we going to act silly? “Act silly how?” Azzopardi replied, “I’ll pay you back,” Borg responded.
Then, Azzopardi said, the shooting happened.
“Heqq, heqq, heqq,” was his reaction when he was pressed further.
A sergeant at the Rabat police station ran a search on weapons registered in the suspect’s name; she presented her findings today in court.
He owned six shotguns including a Huglus, Benelli, Browning, two Beretta models, and aLuigi Franchi model.
Attorney General lawyer Kaylie Bonnet and Inspector Wayne Camilleri prosecuted.
Lawyers Joe and Michaela Giglio are representing the victim’s family who were in court on Thursday.
Lawyers Alex Miruzzi, Arthur Azzopardi, and Jacob Magri are defence counsel.
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