Inspector tipped for promotion despite two suspensions

A police inspector suspended twice over past misconduct is expected to be promoted to superintendent this week, according to police sources.

Inspector Gabriel Micallef, currently stationed at the Valletta Police Station, is set to receive the promotion on Wednesday.

Micallef was suspended in 2014 after he was suspected of tampering with evidence in a high-profile case involving then-Minister Manuel Mallia’s driver, Paul Sheehan, who had fired shots at a car driven by a Scotsman.

Micallef, whose sister was Sheehan’s partner, moved the Scotsman’s bullet-riddled car before a magisterial inquiry began. He was briefly suspended in 2014 in a disciplinary probe but later cleared, with no charges filed.

Then in 2017, The Shift reported that he was dismissed after allowing a man who had just been sentenced to prison to walk out of court and take a bus to Corradino Correctional Facility. Micallef was reinstated shortly afterwards.

Most recently, in February, notorious entrepreneur Christian Borg was acquitted of perjury charges because Micallef, who was prosecuting, failed to present a transcript of Borg’s testimony that was suspected of being false. The police appealed the decision.

Sources believe he will be put in charge of the Drug Squad, which he used to form part of, though this is unconfirmed. His possible appointment has raised concerns among his former colleagues.

When contacted by Times of Malta, Micallef declined to comment and said any questions should be directed to the police.

The police said: “Any future appointments or promotions in the Malta Police Force will be made in accordance with the established procedures and regulations of the Public Service Commission.”