Sole Simshar Survivor Cleared Of Domestic Violence Charges
The only survivor of the 2008 Simshar disaster was cleared of his domestic violence charges involving his brother.
Simon Bugeja, 50, hailing from Marsaxlokk, was charged with causing his brother serious harm after a physical altercation in December 2022.
Bugeja was cleared of the charges after his brother, who was the prosecution’s key witness, refused to testify against him, according to Times of Malta.
Bugeja gained widespread attention in July 2008 when he endured seven days at sea without sustenance following an explosion aboard his fishing vessel, Simshar.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including the defendant’s father. The body of Bugeja’s 11-year-old son was never found.
Bugeja was arrested in December 2022 after his brother Marvin filed a police report against his brother, claiming that he had been attacked with floor tiles, sustaining serious injuries to his hand.
Simon explained to the Police that the altercation ensued after the pair had been working on a block of flats that were replacing their mother’s house.
On that particular day, Simon turned up at the site in a fit of rage because of the workers that were present. He reportedly insisted that he takes care of things himself and didn’t want the workers’ help.
Simon then allegedly became aggressive and assaulted Marvin with the floor tiles. According to the latter, the pair had to be separated by workers and passers-by.
During last week’s proceedings before Magistrate Nadine Lia, Marvin opted out of testifying against his brother, admitting that the occurrence happened in isolation and that he has, since then, forgiven his brother.
Subsequently, Simon was cleared off the charges against him due to lack of evidence.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri represented the defendant.
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Featured image – Times of Malta
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