A man who was originally charged with intent to kill (later removed) today was given a €2,000 fine by the courts.

Paul Debattista was also charged with attacking the police officers, voluntarily damaging police vehicles and insulting police officers, damaging a traffic sign and relapsing.

The Attorney General removed the intent to kill charge and invoked a charge of causing grievous injuries.

Paul Debattista was being investigated on suspicion of drug trade, the Court heard. On 17 January 2005 he was seen near a monument in Birgu driving a Toyota Karina. The Inspector said that Mr Debattista was accompanied by another person. Inspector Nezren Grixti told the court that when Mr Debattista noticed the police presence, he accelerated towards them and he ordered other police units to block the road.

The accused then drove through the rear side of one of the police vehicles and managed to escape. He also apparently damaged a traffic sign in doing so.

He was later arrested and was found in possession of Lm1,350.

Other Police in the case also testified, and their version of events collaborated with that of the inspector.

The Court found that there was grievous injuries caused by the accused, that was originally an intent to kill police officers charge adding that the victim was attempting to escape. Mr Justice Micallef Trigona said that there was no proof that the police suffered any injuries during the incident. The Court also found a lack of evidence in proving that the accused insulted or attacked the police officers.

He was found guilty of voluntarily damaging two police vehicles, driving dangerously and relapsing. He was fined €2000 and was banned from having a licence for six months.