Police vs Muscat — Man Who Obstructed Officer and Swore Publicly Convicted and Fined €100

Nixon Muscat obstructed a police constable in Mosta and was also noisy in public. The swearing charge was dismissed for lack of intent evidence but he was fined €100 for the obstruction and public disorder charges.

Court of Magistrates (Malta) — Criminal (District Mosta) · Magistrate Dr. Monica Vella LL.D., M.Jur. · 21 June 2024

On 29 November 2021 in Mosta, Nixon Muscat obstructed PC 1347 Galea from performing his lawful duties and was also disorderly and noisy in public. He was additionally charged with swearing in public. The court acquitted him of the swearing charge but convicted him of the obstruction of police and breach of public peace, imposing a total fine of €100.

Guilty under Arts. 338(dd) (breach of peace) and 338(ee) (obstruction of police). Not guilty of Art. 338(bb) (swearing in public). Fine of €100. Security of €1,000 in favour of PC 1347 Galea.

• Obstructing a police officer from performing their lawful duties is a criminal offence even if no violence is involved
• Swearing in public is a criminal offence in Malta but requires evidence of intent and context — it is not automatically proven by the use of offensive language
• Minor public order offences typically result in fines rather than imprisonment

Criminal Code Ch. 9 Arts. 338(dd) (breach of peace), 338(ee) (obstruction of police), 338(bb) (swearing — acquitted)