A Senegalese national attacked three people in Msida in a frenzied episode, including headbutting a woman and smashing a table over a man. Psychiatric experts concluded he was suffering from acute mania at the time and lacked criminal responsibility.
Court of Magistrates (Malta) — Criminal · Magistrate Dr. Monica Vella LL.D., M.Jur. · 4 December 2020
On 27 June 2020 at around 11:30am in Msida, Harouna Sow — a Senegalese national with a temporary permit in Italy — attacked three random strangers in separate incidents within minutes. He headbutted Speranza Cauchi (a woman walking down the street), smashed a table over Samuel Gouder at the Wembley Kiosk, and attacked Patrick Cesare who tried to intervene. All three sustained injuries. At the time of the attack, Sow was shouting 'Allahu Akbar' and behaving in a completely abnormal manner. He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital and then admitted to Mount Carmel Hospital where he was diagnosed with acute mania. Two psychiatric experts — Dr. George Debono appointed by the court, and Drs. David Cini and Joseph Saliba — concluded that at the time of the attack, Sow was in a florid psychotic state and lacked the mental capacity (mens rea) to form criminal intent. Dr. Debono noted he was suffering from acute mania and likely had amnesia during the episode. The court accepted the insanity defence under Article 33(a) of the Criminal Code and acquitted him of all charges, ordering his detention at Mount Carmel Hospital under Chapter 525 until three specialists certify he can be safely released.
Acquitted of all charges. Found not criminally responsible under Article 33(a) Ch. 9 (insanity at time of act). Ordered to be detained at Mount Carmel Hospital under Ch. 525 pending psychiatric clearance by three specialists.
Criminal Code Ch. 9 Art. 33(a) (insanity defence), Arts. 214, 221, 338(dd) — assault and breach of peace; Mental Health Act Ch. 525