The Labour Deputy Mayor of Xghajra has been kicked out of the party after refusing to resign.

Neil Attard was recently charged with harassing his former girlfriend. He admitted to causing fear of violence against his female victim, threatening her and making improper use of electronic communications equipment.

He was conditionally discharged for three years and was ordered to stay away from the woman.

This was not the first time that Mr Attard was arraigned on harassment-related charges. In December 2014, Magistrate Doreen Clarke gave Mr Attard a four-month prison sentence, suspended for three years for harassment and threats towards his former partner.

PL Deputy Leader Toni Abela had told The Malta Independent that he had asked Mr Attard to resign. The councilor did heed this advice and has now been struck off from the party register as a disciplinary measure. His behavior was described by party sources as being unacceptable.