Man who rammed police car during wild car chase remanded in custody

A man who rammed a police car on Thursday during a wild car chase yesterday pleaded not guilty to a string of charges.

The case took place when a police officer signaled George Azzopardi, 38, of Naxxar, to stop his vehicle. Instead of obeying the order, Azzopardi allegedly rammed the police car before speeding off, with the officers following. The chase took place around Birzebbuġa, Żejtun and Żurrieq.

The court heard how Azzopardi drove in a reckless manner, even driving the wrong way down certain streets.

When he was finally arrested and led to a police station, the accused claimed he had been assaulted by armed men.

Before Magistrate Joseph Mifsud he was charged with having resisted arrest with violence, threatening and assaulting police officer and attempting to seriously injure three officers during the course of their duties.

He was further charged with reckless driving, damaging third party property, refusing to obey orders and filing a false report.

The prosecution said this was not the first time that Azzopardi had filed a false report.

Magistrate Mifsud blasted the accused for disobeying police orders, telling him that the police were there to protect all law-abiding citizens residing in our country.

Azzopardi’s request for bail was rejected.

Inspector Jonathan Cassar prosecuted. Lawyer Noel Bartolo was legal aid.