Minister Byron Camilleri Explains Why He Won’t Resign Despite Prison Boss’ Gun Conviction
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri has confirmed he won’t resign after former prison director Robert Brincau was convicted of threatening an ambulance driver with a gun.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, a spokesperson for Camilleri defended the minister’s decision not to suspend Brincau as soon as he was charged, arguing that the case “wasn’t related to his work and contrasting versions were given”.
He said the minister had stated from day one that Brincau’s fate would hinge on the court’s decision and that action was taken immediately after his conviction, with Christopher Siegersma replacing him as prison director.
“During the past months, Minister Camilleri spearheaded reforms which ensured that our prison not only offers a secure environment, but also rehabilitation programmes, and free from drugs. These reforms will continue in the coming months and years,” he added.
Former prison director Robert Brincau
Brincau was today handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for three years, after a court found him guilty of threatening a man with a gun, along with other offences.
The incident revolved around a fight at Għadira Bay between Brincau and his partner, who are the former and current director of Red Cross Malta, and an ambulance worker from Alpha Medical Services.
Following the conviction, a number of people called for Camilleri to resign, including PN MP and home affairs spokesperson Joe Giglio and Alpha Medical Services owner Charlton Caruana.
“Robert Brincau should have been suspended while he was facing criminal charges,” Caruana said. “If a medical professional is accused of malpractice, they have to get suspended while the case is ongoing.”
“However, Brincau pointed a gun at an ambulance driver and wasn’t suspended as prison director. I view this as a joke to public sector employees and a case of well-connected people receiving special treatment.”
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