Officer Was First to Make Physical Contact in Ħamrun Street Fight, Superintendent Testifies
Superintendent Saviour Baldacchino testified yesterday that police constable Clive Mallia was the first to make physical contact in the recent Ħamrun street fight.
Cross-examined by defence lawyer Franco Debono yesterday, Superintendent Baldacchino said that PC Mallia was the first to get physical in the fight but that police officers have the authority to use force in certain situations. He also confirmed that the suspects weren’t rude until it got physical.
He also testified that he finds it acceptable for PC Mallia to have used swear words when interacting with the suspects.
Although he said that he wouldn’t have used those words himself, he doesn’t feel any disciplinary action should be taken against the police officer.
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He explained that the situation had escalated, leaving PC Mallia surrounded by several individuals, which heightened the pressure on him.
Police sergeant Theodore Busuttil, who arrived on the scene after the fight had escalated, was also placed on the stand yesterday. He confirmed that he has heard of previous complaints by his colleagues that PC Mallia has a habit of running his mouth.
He also confirmed that PC Mallia was involved in a previous incident near a school in Santa Venera, when he had issued a ticket to a parent, and the situation escalated to the point where she physically assaulted him and was arrested and charged. However, he was evasive on the details on the case.
Five people – Elton Borg, his wife Erica Borg, his brother Kurt Borg, Redeemer Aquilina and Christian Mansueto – have been charged in connection with the incident and are currently being held in custody after their request for bail was denied.
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