Man remanded in custody after corkscrew attack at Mater Dei Hospital
The accused allegedly injured a security officer while undergoing treatment for alcohol withdrawal
A 30-year-old man pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring a security officer at Mater Dei Hospital using a corkscrew.
Hemraj Dahal, a Nepali national living in St Paul’s Bay, was arraigned before duty magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil on Friday afternoon where he was also accused of disturbing the public peace and good order by shouting in public and disobeying lawful police orders.
Police inspector Elton Buckingham told the court that Dahal voluntarily admitted himself to Mater Dei Hospital on January 23 because he had bleeding gums due to alcoholism.
After two days, the man sought to leave the hospital, but the staff did not want to discharge him. The man was under medication for his alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The police inspector explained that Dahal grabbed a corkscrew from his backpack and started waving it after he was not allowed to leave the hospital. He hit a security officer, scratching his arm. The injury was certified as slight.
Buckingham added that the man had been aggressive towards Mater Dei staff but this was not reported. It was only after the security officer was injured that the police were called in.
Dahal was not arraigned immediately and was given police bail. He went to the police a day before his appointment and returned on Friday morning half an hour early.
Defence lawyer Jacob Magri requested bail to which the prosecution objected.
The police inspector insisted that the man has no ties to Malta and was in between jobs.
Magri countered that his client had recognised he had an alcohol issue and sought help. The man went to the police when asked to do so. He also highlighted that the court could impose a treatment order during proceedings.
“The man felt good enough to go home. He had no intention to hit the security,” Magri said.
After hearing the submissions, the court denied the man bail and remanded him in custody.
A protection order was issued in favour of the alleged victim.
Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil presided.
Police inspector Elton Buckingham prosecuted.
Lawyers Arthur Azzopardi and Jacob Magri assisted the accused.