Man admits harassing and stalking Helena Dalli in lively court sitting
He produced offensive videos against the former European Commissioner
A 57-year-old man has pleaded guilty to harassing and stalking former European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli.
Ivan John Grima Hammett appeared before Magistrate Leonard Caruana under arrest after he uploaded videos on social media.
Police Superintendent Frankie Sammut told the court that Dalli came across the videos on TikTok and felt harassed. In the said videos, Grima Hammett called Dalli “a traitor of Malta” and asked third parties whether they thought that she was corrupt.
One of the said videos featured the accused questioning a third party whether he had read slogans sprayed on the tarmac of property he believed to belong to Dalli.
The third party told the accused, “She doesn’t live here,” to which the latter replied, “Whoever did should have sprayed it elsewhere”
The superintendent said Grima Hammett was called to a police station and arrested. He was asked if he would take down the videos, but refused.
When asked for his plea, his legal aid lawyer told the court: "My client instructed me to say that his religion and beliefs prevent him from lying and therefore he will plead guilty to the charges.”
During submissions on punishment, Superintendent Sammut noted that in such cases, the law stipulated a maximum of a two-year prison sentence and/or a fine.
He argued that in this case, it would be more appropriate if a treatment order was imposed so the accused could get the help he needed. He requested a protection order in favour of Dalli and a probation order instead of effective imprisonment for the accused.
Sammut added that Grima Hammett filmed and commented on everything that happened around him. He argued that “if one calls another corrupt, then they have to substantiate such claims”. The superintendent added that nothing would be solved by fining the individual.
The defence agreed, highlighting that Grima Hammett had to take care of his elderly mother.
Grima Hammett then burst out ranting that he “wants justice for this country.”
He insisted that Helena Dalli should resign for deceiving the people and made comments against gay people raising children. He handed a bunch of ‘Jesus loves you’ stickers to the people present in the courtroom.
“You’re going straight to heaven,” the magistrate joked, to which the man replied in a serious tone, “I do not curse, and I do not masturbate.
Asked if he felt sorry for what he had done, the man initially stood his ground, saying no, until he gave in.
The court issued a two-year probation order, a treatment order and a restraining order. Grima Hammett was also ordered to remove the videos from Facebook.
“Thank you, Jesus! God bless you! May the evil eye leave this room,” he shouted on his way out.
Magistrate Leonard Caruana presided over the court.
Police inspector Karen Cassar prosecuted.
Legal aid lawyer Noray Galea assisted the accused.