A 56-year-old man who was charged with assaulting the mayor of Paola, was cleared of all charges after the court ruled that there was not enough evidence to prove the charges.

In October 2009, Carmel Dimech, of Zebbug was charged with assaulting and threatening former mayor of Paola Domenic Grima, not obeying orders, breaching public order and relapsing.

In court, Mr Grima said that on the day in question, he was informed that works by Water Services at Paola's square was not being carried out as agreed, so he took it upon himself to go ask Mr Dimech to stop the works. He claimed that Mr Dimech started swearing and insulting him before proceeding to assault him.

However, Mr Dimech insisted that he never assaulted the mayor, despite the fact that was not obliged to take orders from him.  He explained that day before the incident, he had spoken with the council's secretary about the works he was to carry out.

Other witnesses present at the square also claimed that they did not see Mr Dimech assault the mayor. 

The court ruled that the mayor had no right asking Mr Dimech to stop carrying out works and that he should have contested the agreement with Water Services and not the accused.

In its judgment, the court noted that Mr Grima failed to present a medical certificate and that police officers dispatched on scene saw that he suffered no injuries, therefore there was not enough evidence to prove it.

He was therefore acquitted of all charges.