Title: Hitman’s Failed Appeal: Convicted of Threatening Police Officer Over Parking Violation
George Degiorgio, one of the hitmen involved in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has lost his appeal against a conviction for threatening a police officer over a parking violation. The incident dates back to May 2016 when Degiorgio had parked his Corvette on a double yellow line in St Paul’s Bay, Malta.
In January 2017, Degiorgio was sentenced to seven months in prison and fined €2,000 for the offense. He subsequently filed an appeal, arguing that he had been charged under the wrong article of the law and that the charges were time-barred. However, the appeal has been dismissed.
During the incident, police officers on patrol noticed Degiorgio’s parked car and asked him to move it to a legal parking space. Instead of complying, Degiorgio remained seated and showed no intention of moving his vehicle. The officers warned him of a potential fine if he failed to comply, but he defiantly replied that it was not a problem and eventually moved the car to the opposite side of the road, where it was again parked on a double yellow line.
When the police officer pointed out the violation again, Degiorgio became irate and launched into a verbal tirade, cursing and threatening the officer with retribution. He refused to provide his personal information and declared his lack of fear towards any law enforcement officer or officials present. As more officers arrived at the scene, Degiorgio defiantly threw the parking ticket he had just received on the ground.
Degiorgio claimed during the trial that he had simply gone to collect a pizza before the incident occurred. He alleged that the police approached him with arrogance, asking him to move his car. According to him, he complied by moving it to the other side of the road. However, this version of events was contradicted by the evidence presented in court, which clearly indicated that he did not follow the police’s orders accurately.
The appeal court, presided over by Mr Justice Neville Camilleri, rejected most of Degiorgio’s appeals. The judge concluded that there was sufficient evidence to prove that Degiorgio did indeed refuse to comply with the police officers’ instructions. Additionally, the court determined that the charges were filed within the legally acceptable timeframe and were not time-barred.
While the judge upheld Degiorgio’s appeal regarding the charge of disturbing the public peace, it was noted that the prosecution had failed to present any evidence to support this particular charge.
As a result, Degiorgio’s original sentence of seven months in prison and a €2,000 fine has been confirmed by the appellate court, with only one charge being dropped due to lack of evidence.
This latest setback for George Degiorgio comes in the wake of his conviction for his involvement in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, a crime that shocked the nation and attracted international attention. The verdict further highlights the extent of Degiorgio’s criminal activities and his now unsuccessful attempts to evade justice.
It is worth noting that journalism associations and civil rights organizations have expressed concern over the murder case and its subsequent developments, emphasizing the need for justice and a thorough investigation into the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The case against Degiorgio serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and respecting law enforcement officers, even in seemingly minor situations such as parking violations. The justice system’s decision to reject his appeal demonstrates its commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their involvement in other criminal activities.
In conclusion, George Degiorgio’s failed appeal against his conviction for threatening a police officer over a parking violation serves as a reminder that even those involved in serious crimes are not above the law. The court’s decision reinforces the importance of respecting the authority of law enforcement officers and complying with their instructions.
