Watch: Man Pleads Not Guilty To Assaulting Police Officer During Mqabba FC Celebrations
A 47-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to assaulting and slightly injuring a police sergeant and constable during football promotion celebrations in Mqabba on Saturday.
Malta Today reported Jerry Ghigo, a resident of the town, was arraigned in court on Monday in connection with the street celebrations that followed Mqabba FC’s promotion to the National Amateur League 1.
Footage circulating on social media shows an intense encounter between police officers and people celebrating on a truck. Prosecuting inspector Andrew Agius Bonello told the court that the situation escalated after Police Sergeant Luke Grima stopped the truck carrying supporters in Triq Ħal Far.
The sergeant reportedly encountered resistance after issuing orders, with celebrations turning confrontational. At one point, Ghigo allegedly knocked over a police motorcycle and damaged a police officer’s uniform. He was also accused of public drunkenness, insulting and threatening officers, and refusing to obey lawful orders.
Defence lawyer Franco Debono claimed the situation got out of hand when police attempted to detain Ghigo, adding that video footage shows the sergeant dragging the man on the ground while still wearing his helmet.
The defence argued that Ghigo maintained his innocence throughout and denied knocking over the vehicle – a statement confirmed by the prosecution.Despite objections from the prosecution, the court granted Ghigo bail, set at a €5,000 deposit and a €10,000 personal guarantee.
He must also sign the bail book weekly and has been barred from entering Mqabba FC’s premises or attending matches and training sessions. Magistrate Charmaine Galea presided over the case.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit appeared for the defence, while Inspector Agius Bonello prosecuted.
Footage via Malta Today