A Magistrates’ Court yesterday declared that a care worker, who was charged with slightly injuring an elderly man at St Vincent de Paul residence, should not have been arraigned under arrest.

Kevin Mamo, 28, from Qormi was charged with inflicting both bodily and psychological harm on Gejtano Mifsud – whose condition does not allow him to defend himself – while he was on duty at the Loreto Ward on 1 January.

The man was further charged with allegedly committing a crime in his capacity as a public officer, with making fun of other elderly residents and with relapsing.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Giovanni Grixti, declared that the care worker’s arrest was not valid because the police did not treat the case with urgency since they said they were too busy to arraign the man on a day closer to when the incident is alleged to have taken place.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted. Dr Ian Farrugia and Dr Franco Galea appeared for the accused.