Anthony Brincat has admitted and was found guilty of hate speech against the co-founder of NGO Repubblika, Robert Aquilina, during a court sitting on Thursday morning.

Brincat received a conditional discharge and was fined €100.

The court was presided over by Magistrate Ian Farrugia. Jason Azzopardi was Aquilina's lawyer, whilst Jose Herrera was Brincat's lawyer.

On Facebook, the accused had written: "Robert you really are crazy, see if they send you to prison - I'll see you in your grave, we'll speak at the cemetery."

In Brincat's court declaration, he admitted to the accusations and apologised.

"I, Anthony Brincat, publicly acknowledge that the words I have addressed in recent weeks against Dr Robert Aquilina on social media are not appropriate words in a democratic society. Therefore I apologise to Dr Aquilina for this unacceptable behaviour of mine. Although I do not agree with Dr Aquilina about his work in civil society, I recognize without any reservation, that his work is motivated exclusively by his genuine desire for justice and meritocracy to prevail in our country. Therefore, I admit to all the accusations brought against me in this court," said Brincat.

During Aquilina's court declaration, he forgave Brincat.

Ultimately, the court found the accused guilty of threats and misuse of telecommunication devices.