A British national was sentenced to 13 months effective imprisonment after pleading guilty to a number of charges linked to an incident which took place in Paceville earlier this month.

Csanad Dora, 31 years old, born in London, England, appeared before the Court of Magistrates after being charged over an incident which occurred on 2 May 2026 at around 4:30am in Paceville, St Julian's.

The case concerned an altercation involving police officers during which the accused assaulted and resisted police officer Hayden Mariani while the officer was carrying out his duties.

The accused was also charged with threatening or causing harm to the officer, causing damage to property belonging to the same officer, driving a vehicle without valid third-party insurance, and illegally possessing and making recreational use of DiNitrogen Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

During proceedings, the accused registered a guilty plea. The court granted him time to reconsider his admission and to consult once again with his lawyer before confirming the plea.

In considering punishment, the court took into account the early guilty plea, the accused's clean criminal record and the fact that further evidence did not need to be heard. However, the court stated that the law obliged it to impose an effective prison sentence.

The court consequently found the accused guilty of all charges and sentenced him to 13 months' imprisonment, with the period already spent under preventive arrest to be deducted from the sentence. He was also ordered to pay a fine of €6,250 within 10 months.

In addition, the court disqualified Dora from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of 12 months from the date of judgment.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided over the case.