Fined for slapping policewoman

A 20-year-old man was fined €500 for slapping a policewoman in the face when she tried to arrest him after a fight.

Keith Balzan claimed in court that he never took part in the fight, which took place last October 18, but saw a number of people engaged in a brawl near Browns night club in Paceville and tried to break up the argument. When the police arrived, WPS Maria Scicluna grabbed Mr Balzan from his back, he being the first person she could reach. He turned around and slapped her in the face and then ran away, chased by two officers who caught him a short distance up the road.

WPS Scicluna said she did not see the person who hit her in the face.

PC Johann Vella testified that at about midnight he had just finished breaking up another fight and was returning to the police van when he spotted the brawl in front of Browns. He then saw Mr Balzan hit WPS Scicluna in the face.

In his police statement, Mr Balzan said that when he felt someone grab him from behind he was scared and admitted to pushing the policewoman but not "punching her". He never mentioned anything about slapping her.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera said that from the evidence produced it appeared that Mr Balzan pushed WPS Scicluna in order to get away from the police. Taking into consideration the fact that he is a first time offender she fined him €500.