Court Denies Plea For Moral Damages In Liam Debono Hit And Run Case
In a recent development in the high-profile hit and run case involving Liam Debono, a court has denied his plea for moral damages.
Debono, who is accused of attempted homicide against former Police Sergeant Simon Schembri, had claimed that his right to a just hearing had been violated and demanded compensation for moral damages.
However, the first hall of the civil court, presided by Judge Grazio Mercieca, ruled that Debono had failed to utilize the correct procedural tools and that the case should have been brought before the criminal court.
The decision of the court is based on the understanding that the civil court is a “court of last resort” and should only be approached after all other legal avenues have been exhausted.
Judge Mercieca expressed strong disapproval of Debono’s attempt to seek compensation through the civil court, stating that it was a serious and banal abuse of an extraordinary process.
According to the judge, Debono should have presented his case to the penal court, where he had every right to do so.
The hit-and-run incident, which occurred on May 15, 2018, in Luqa, left former Police Sergeant Simon Schembri severely injured.
Schembri lost part of his shoulder and was in grave danger of losing his life when he was run down and dragged by a vehicle while carrying out his duties. The incident shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
Representing Debono in this case was Joe Brincat, who argued on behalf of his client’s constitutional rights. However, the court determined that Debono’s claim for moral damages did not fall within the jurisdiction of the civil court and should have been addressed in the appropriate criminal proceedings.
The decision to deny Debono’s plea for moral damages highlights the importance of following proper legal procedures and utilising the appropriate legal forums. It underscores the principle that different courts have specific roles and jurisdictions and should be approached accordingly.
As the case awaits a jury hearing, the denial of Debono’s plea for moral damages is a significant development. It sets the stage for the upcoming criminal proceedings, which will determine his guilt or innocence in the attempted homicide of Simon Schembri.
The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by the public and will have far-reaching implications for the administration of justice in the country.
The court’s decision serves as a reminder that legal procedures exist to safeguard the rights of all parties involved. It underscores the importance of respecting these procedures and seeking redress through the appropriate channels.
In the case of Debono, the denial of his plea for moral damages signifies that the legal battle is far from over, and the final verdict will be delivered in the criminal court, where the merits of the case will be thoroughly examined and justice will be sought for all parties involved.
Do you find it shocking that such a high profile case has still not had a hearing after five years?
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