Paul Cachia smashed Emidio Vella's car windscreen and took the victim's Hyundai without consent. He was convicted only of criminal damage after the prosecution failed to prove the other five charges including swearing, breach of peace and defiance of police.
Court of Magistrates (Malta) — Criminal (District Rabat) · Magistrate Dr. Monica Vella LL.D., M.Jur. · 24 July 2024
On 9 August 2021 in Rabat, Paul Cachia was involved in an incident with Emidio Vella that included swearing in public, breach of peace, threats, obstruction of police, failure to attend at the police station when summoned, criminal damage to Vella's property (between €250 and €2,500), and taking the victim's Hyundai ECG 924 without consent. The court acquitted him of five of the seven charges — finding insufficient evidence for the swearing, breach of peace, threats, police obstruction and failure to attend — but convicted him of criminal damage only.
Guilty only of charge 6 (criminal damage to Emidio Vella's property — Art. 325). Acquitted of charges 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. Sentenced to 8 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months. Payment order in favour of victim for value of damage. Restraining provisions under Arts. 382A and 383.
Criminal Code Ch. 9 Art. 325(1)(a) (criminal damage), 328A (vehicle taking without consent — acquitted); Arts. 338, 339 — other charges acquitted