A Maltese 16-year-old youth today was sentenced to three months in prison after being found guilty of slightly injuring his brother, and causing fear of violence through threats against both his mother and brother. A protection order against the mother and brother were subsequently granted.
The accused, who was accompanied by social workers, is known to have a difficult home life, the courts heard. In addition to this, it was made known that the accused suffered from addiction of synthetic drugs and that he used to be on ADHD medication when he was younger.
Prosecuting Inspector John Spiteri requested that the accused be assisted to get back on his feet. A social worker, in his testimony, explained that previously, a care order had been issued where it had been decided the accused, at 11 years old, should not live with his mother. A problem later emerged with the residence he was sent to and he had to be returned back to his family, which is when behavioural problems started again - the court heard.
It was said that Sedqa, a state organisation which assists in rehabilitation, were considering providing him with residence, in the light of the fact that he could not go home to his family. The problem however is that the organisation does not have structures in place to house minors. A request was regardless, and under the circumstances it was said that there might be a chance of Sedqa accepting to house the accused.
Magistrate Charmaine Galea, presiding over the case, found the accused guilty and sentenced him to three months in prison. She ordered that he be assisted while in prison, and warned the accused to make good use of his time, so as not to land himself in prison again. The protection order granted against the accused’s mother and brother is to last three years.
Probation officers expressed concern that after the three months imprisonment they would not be able to find a place for the accused to stay, since he definitely could not stay with his family – through the protection order. Magistrate Galea stressed that they would need to find arrangements in the meantime.
Lawyer Francine Abela represented the accused.