Three men charged with grievous bodily harm were fully acquitted. The alleged victims refused to testify, leaving the prosecution unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Court of Magistrates (Malta) — Criminal · Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi · 21 April 2026
On 19 March 2024, a fight broke out outside the Labour Club in Triq il-Bajja s-Sabiha, Birżebbuġa. Brian Mangion, Shylon Mangion and Wayne Barbara were charged with causing grievous bodily harm, threatening family members, assault, insult and disturbing public peace. The case had a fundamental problem: the alleged victims — the people the prosecution said had been attacked — chose not to testify. They declined to give evidence, reportedly to avoid any risk of self-incrimination. With no direct victim testimony, the prosecution was left with limited circumstantial evidence. Brian Mangion himself admitted to punching someone, but said it was in self-defence. Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi acquitted all three on every charge. The court's reasoning was straightforward: the burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution. When key witnesses refuse to testify, the prosecution cannot build the case it needs. Without credible direct evidence, the court cannot be satisfied of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Defence was represented by Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Adreana Zammit.
Brian Mangion, Shylon Mangion and Wayne Barbara: acquitted and discharged on all charges — grievous bodily harm, threatening, assault, insult and disturbing public peace.
Criminal Code Ch. 9 — grievous bodily harm, assault, breach of peace, threats; Evidence Act Ch. 22 — burden of proof in criminal proceedings