Gozitan-born Blasio Buttigieg, 46, who was charged with the attempted murder of his son Etienne Buttigeg after he ran him over with his BMW on 7 November, 2013, today was acquitted by a Magistrates’ court. 

The man allegedly had an argument with his 17-year-old son at their home. The argument heated up so much that the two went to report each other at the police station in Birzebbuga, where they continued to argue. They walked out of the police station soon afterwards without filing a report. The two returned home but the son of the accused left home on a bicycle.

His father, still irritated, got into his car and went to look for him. He spotted his son resting against a wall in the vicinity of the stables and allegedly ran him over.

The father then allegedly reversed his car and hit his son once again. He left the scene soon after.

Luckily, a person who was in the vicinity called for assistance and an ambulance rushed the victim to hospital where he was found to be suffering from light injuries.

The father was cleared after the star witness – his son – did not testify and due to the fact that there was conflicting evidence presented in court. According to law, children can opt not to testify against their parents and vice-versa.

Magistrate Aaron M. Bugeja therefore cleared the man of all the charges brought against him.

Lawyers Noel Bianco and Anthony Stellini defended the accused. Police Inspector Carol Fabri prosecuted.