Swedish national assaulted police officers in attempt to get a free ticket home

A Swedish national assaulted two police officers and damaged their squad car because he wanted to get arrested and deported after he ran out of cash, a court heard yesterday.

Gambian-born James John Konteh, 24, who is a Swedish national, was charged with assaulting two police officers, slightly injuring one of them, breaching the public peace, disobeying police orders and damaging a police car.

Inspector Jason Sultana, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Konteh went to the Marsa police station on Saturday night declaring that he was homeless and wanted to be deported because he had no money. He wanted to be arrested so that he would get to speak to a lawyer to arrange for his return to Sweden. Sources said he came to Malta with €1,500 in cash but spent every last cent he had.

Police officers tried to reason with him and said they could only help by trying to find him accommodation for the night. He was taken to the YMCA in Valletta but was refused and was then taken to the Marsa Open Centre. At this point, the inspec- tor said, the accused became aggressive and, when he realised he would not get his way, told the police officers that he would commit a crime in order to get arrested. He slapped a police officer on the face and ear, smashed the squad car mirror and damaged one of the doors.

The accused refused a legal aid lawyer, who was already sitting in the court room, insisting he wanted a Swedish lawyer provided by his insurance company. The proceedings continued without a lawyer and Mr Konteh was assisted by two interpreters. Asked if he had understood the charges and how he pleaded, the accused said he wanted to speak to a lawyer. The court entered a not guilty plea.

Following a lengthy conversation with the interpreters, the accused requested bail, but asked if he would have any legal remedies should his request be refused. Bail was in fact refused by Magistrate Giovanni Grixti, who noted the gravity of the charges. The prosecution had objected, citing that the accused had no fixed address and the crimes were committed voluntarily.

The accused was remanded in custody. The case continues on 1 June.