A 35-year-old Somali man today was fined €20 for masturbating in public, in full view of passers-by.

Inspector Jason Sultana told the court that bystanders called the police reporting that a man had pulled his trousers down and was masturbating in front of the British High Commission in Ta’ Xbiex on Friday evening, at around 11pm. When the police showed up they found that the man was still at it and was drunk.

Yassin Hassan Ali, who looked calm and relaxed in court, was charged with being drunk in public and offending public morals. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella explained that, since this was a contravention, she could only impose a fine of between €6.99 and €58. The man was arraigned under arrest since he has no fixed address and lives at the Hal Far open centre. She fined the man €20 and warned him not to repeat the offence.  

Lawyer Joseph Mizzi appeared for Mr Ali.