“There is a manifest conflict in the different versions given by the parties in this alleged personal incident, and the correct version needs to be determined by the court,” the ministry said.

“The Ministry feels that in these circumstances a vacuum for a long time at the Correctional Services Agency would not be in the best interest of the prison’s administration.”

“A similar position was also expressed by NGOs working within the prison for a number of years, such as Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl and Fondazzjoni Rise.”

“This position will be reviewed, if needed, following the final outcome of the pending judicial proceedings.”

Brincau has been the director for less than a year, replacing Colonel Alex Dalli following a series of suicides in prison. 

However, this latest incident has shocked many, with Brincau allegedly pointing a gun at an individual. 

In court yesterday, ambulance driver Liam Doublet detailed the incident which took place on 21st August near Għadira Bay.

“When we returned to Għadira Bay at around 5.30pm, there was a police officer who told us that a patient had been stung by a hornet. I got out of the car. This man came up to me, saying ‘there’s no joking around with me’. He moved closer and head-butted me. I punched him and then he pulled out a weapon,”  Doublet told the court.

“Then he threatened me and my family. This was captured on video.” 

“I went cold. I went mute. Had it not been for his wife, who intervened and told him not to do stupid things, I don’t know what would have happened.”

The crew only recognised it was Brincau once their boss saw the video. They filed the report before even knowing it was Brincau.

Should the Prison Director step down?