A man whose criminal case has been ongoing for more than 13 years was yesterday awarded Lm2,000 in compensation for not being served with justice within a reasonable time which is a fundamental human right.

The First Hall of the Civil Court, presided over by Mr Justice Tonio Mallia, heard how Daniel Bonnici was originally charged in court under arrest on 6 December 1993 and accused of illegal pig breeding in November 1993 and the preceding months. Mr Bonnici pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and was granted bail.

The first court sitting was held on 25 January 1994 and on 21 April 1995, the prosecution said it was resting its case.

The defence began presenting its case in September 1995 and also rested its case in January 1996. During the last sitting on 22 January 1996, both parties made their submissions before Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna and the case was put off for judgement.

Successive court sittings all proved futile because the case was continuously put off to another date with the last sitting appointed for 27 April this year. Even during the latter sitting, the case was once again put off for judgement.

In view of this long time to be served with a judgement, Mr Bonnici filed a case for compensation against the attorney general.

Handing down his judgement yesterday, Mr Justice Mallia ruled that Mr Bonnici’s right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time had been breached and awarded him Lm2,000 in compensation. He said the court did not declare the case time-barred because of the nature of the charges.

Dr Josè Herrera and Dr Roberto Montalto represented Mr Bonnici.