€1,000 fine for breaching curfew

A 27-year-old man from Qormi has been found guilty of breaching bail conditions and subsequently fined €1,000 while he is awaiting the judgment of a separate appeals case, which could see him spend four years behind bars

The accused, Ryan Briffa, was caught in Marsa yesterday at 5am. According to his bail conditions he cannot be out of his home before 5:30am.

Prosecuting inspector Edmond Cuschieri said he was told by a police sergeant that Briffa was roaming around Marsa, in breach of his curfew, with company that is known to the police.

Briffa pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

Lawyer Amadeus Cachia argued that the accused had admitted guilt at the earliest stage of proceedings and that the condition he breaches was far less serious than others imposed. Dr Cachia stressed that he had breached curfew by half an hour and failed to sign a bail book, which are not the most serious breaches.

The court heard how the accused was receiving psychiatric treatment for an undisclosed condition and that this could further excuse his actions.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella, taking into consideration the other pending case, found him guilty and imposed a €1,000 fine instead of ordering a prison sentence. She also chose not to revoke his bail or confiscate the €3,000 deposit.