Court revokes bail granted to Melvin Debono over domestic abuse charges
The man, known as il-Quws, did not turn up for his court sitting on time
The Criminal Court has revoked bail granted to Melvin Debono known as il-Quws, following a high-speed chase.
The man is no stranger to the local courts. In December, he was found guilty of firing an unlicensed weapon in a residential area. He was given a three-year jail term, which was suspended after he appealed.
In the same month, he was arraigned and granted bail on December 17, after allegedly threatening to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s apartment if she did not return his belongings.
He was also charged with breaching six sets of bail conditions. The man denied the charges. Bail was subsequently revoked after the AG successfully appealed. Debono was meanwhile also charged in connection with a high-speed chase in February 2025.
The Court of Magistrates granted him bail over domestic abuse charges on January 22.
The Attorney General appealed the decree.
The sitting was appointed for Wednesday morning, when Debono failed to appear on time.
In its considerations, the Criminal Court said it is duty-bound to strike a balance between the presumption of innocence and public order, especially when taking into consideration the charges brought against the person, who stands accused before the court.
It also assessed whether Debono provides sufficient guarantees to be granted bail.
The Criminal Court noted that Debono was not on time when his case was called and had to postpone the sitting in the hope that he would appear. His lawyer informed the court that Debono consented to the submissions to be made in his absence.
In the given circumstances, the Criminal Court held that Debono does not offer sufficient guarantees to be granted bail and that there was a real fear he would not abide by the court-imposed orders.
The AG’s request was upheld, and bail was revoked with the Criminal Court ordering his immediate re-arrest.
The Criminal Court solicited the Court of Magistrates to ensure that the evidence is compiled without further delay.
Mr Justice Neville Camilleri presided over the Criminal Court.
AG lawyer Clive Aquilina prosecuted, alongside police inspector Sherona Buhagiar.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.