BirdLife Malta said that two trappers have been sentenced to a conditional discharge for one year after being found guilty of assaulting and slightly injuring two of its staff members three years ago near Maghtab in Malta.

BirdLife Malta said its team had been in the area reporting illegal trapping at Ghallis, to which the police had responded.

In a statement on Thursday, BirdLife Malta said that the incident involved an “unprovoked assault, during which a BirdLife Malta team walking along a public road near a boatyard in Maghtab was suddenly followed and attacked by a father and son.”

“As the team headed back on foot towards their vehicle, two men exited the boatyard, hurling abuse and filming them,” said BirdLife.”At this point, one team member began recording the incident out of concern for the team’s safety.”

It added that “reacting to the use of the phone, one trapper grabbed a team member, attempting to seize her phone and causing her slight injuries in the process. The son then turned on a second team member, pushing her against a rubble wall and attempting to punch her, also causing slight injuries.”

The incident was reported to Naxxar Police Station, with evidence including medical certificates for both injured staff members, as well as photographic evidence from the scene.

BirdLife Malta stated that “in her ruling yesterday, Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace found both men guilty of injuring the team. However, the court acquitted them of charges related to pushing, verbal abuse, and threats, as the Executive Police failed to provide evidence that the assailants were duly notified within the three-month period established by law.”

It added that “as a result, these charges were considered time-barred. Joseph Grech and Carmel Grech were given a conditional discharge for one year.”

Reacting to the verdict, BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana stated, “BirdLife Malta is well-versed with the laws and regulations, and we adhere to them, along with our internal protocols designed to safeguard the wellbeing of our team members in the field. The least we expect is full cooperation from the police when such incidents occur to ensure justice is served.”

Sultana went on to say that “the lack of evidence proving that the culprits were notified in time has allowed them to evade the full consequences of their unacceptable actions. A letter will be sent to the Commissioner of Police regarding this matter.”

BirdLife Malta extended its gratitude to Dr Stephen Tonna Lowell and Dr Ana Thomas, who acted as parte civile in the case.

Photo: BirdLife Malta

Permalink: Father and son trappers guilty of assaulting BirdLife Malta team