A man carried out a sustained attack on his ex-partner from Bugibba to Bormla, including in front of her 5-year-old daughter, then continued his aggression inside the police station toward officers.
Court of Magistrates (Malta) — Criminal · Magistrate Dr. Monica Vella LL.D., M.Jur. · 1 February 2023
On 29 September 2019, Keith Delia attacked his then-partner Ilona Galea in a sustained assault that began in Bugibba and continued in a moving vehicle all the way to Bormla — in the presence of her 5-year-old daughter. He spat in her face, grabbed her by the hair, slammed her head against the car door and dashboard, and punched her repeatedly over the ears. The victim spent 4 days at Mater Dei Hospital and additional days at Monte Carmeli to recover from the trauma. When Galea fled to the Bormla police station for help, Delia followed her there and continued his aggression — threatening to kill the Inspector, attempting to attack Galea inside the station, shouting, swearing, and ultimately having to be physically restrained and handcuffed by multiple officers. The Inspector noted his statement the next day where Delia claimed to remember nothing. The court found the victim's account fully credible and corroborated by multiple police officers. The injuries were certified as grievous. The court found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm (Art. 214), assault on police (Arts. 95, 96), threatening behaviour, and breach of the peace. He was found not guilty of stalking (Art. 251B) as only a single incident was proven. A probation officer recommended anger management treatment, which the court incorporated into the sentence.
Guilty under Articles 214, 95, 96, 339(1)(d), 339(1)(e), 338(dd), 338(ee) of Ch. 9. Not guilty under Arts. 251B, 216, 49 and 50. Sentenced to 1 year imprisonment suspended for 4 years. Fine of €4,500 payable at €125/month. Binding over €1,000 each in favour of victim and Inspector for 12 months. Restraining order for 3 years.
Criminal Code Ch. 9 Arts. 214 (grievous bodily harm), 95-96 (assault on police), 338(dd), 338(ee), 339(1)(d)(e) — threats and public order