The Planning Authority has welcomed a decision of the Court of Appeal presided over by Judge Edwina Grima, regarding a case that took place in 2021 involving two enforcement officers during the performance of their duties.

A man from Qormi was jailed for nine months and fined €3,000 after a Judge denied his appeal from a sentence in which he was found guilty of assaulting two Planning Authority officials.

The Planning Authority said it strongly condemns any form of abuse or aggression against its officers while they are carrying out their duties.

"Any act of threat, harassment, or physical violence towards representatives of the Authority will not be acceptable. As always, it must be recognised that, above all, every officer of the Planning Authority is a human being who provides a service to the community and leaves behind family and relatives who expect them to return home, safe and sound, after a day of work."

"As always, the Authority's appeal for the public to respect and cooperate with its officers, remains in place. Any disputes regarding planning decisions should always be resolved through legal means and not through abuse. The Planning Authority remains committed to ensuring that its officers can enforce planning laws in a safe, fair, and fear-free environment. In any case of abuse, the Authority remains committed to working hand in hand with law enforcement and the Courts to ensure that any act of abuse is addressed decisively," it said.