Ex-economic crimes inspector fined €7,000 for threats against neighbour

A former police inspector from the Economic Crimes Section has been fined €7,000 after being found guilty of threatening his neighbour with late-night intimidation.

Kevin Borg faced charges relating to incidents in April 2021 in Mġarr, including disturbing the peace at night, threatening his neighbour, and harassment. However, the court ruled that the first charge had prescribed due to the lapse of time, acquitting him on that count. He was also acquitted of harassment.

The court instead found Borg guilty of causing fear of violence after concluding that his conduct formed part of a course of threatening behaviour directed at the victim.

Testifying in court, the victim recounted how Borg had repeatedly approached her home, including in the early hours of the morning, banging on the door and issuing verbal threats. Although no physical aggression occurred, she described experiencing significant fear and anxiety.

Footage exhibited in court captured Borg warning the victim not to involve the police, stating “nobody will touch me,” and threatening to bring “family from Sicily.” In one recording, he described himself as a “hardcore” individual and an “uomo d’onore,” while escalating the confrontation by stating that the matter had become “personal.”

During proceedings, Borg admitted to the conduct but claimed he had been instigated by a third party. The court, however, focused on the objective effect of his actions, finding that the threats were sufficient to place the complainant in fear.

In its judgment, the court strongly criticised the prolonged delay in the case, noting that summary proceedings should, in principle, be decided promptly. Instead, the victim and her family were left “in a legal limbo” for nearly five years, something the court described as deeply concerning and contrary to the purpose of the law.

The court went as far as to call for legislative intervention, recommending the introduction of peremptory timeframes for the determination of summary cases. A copy of the judgment is to be forwarded to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Minister for Justice.

In determining punishment, the court took into account Borg’s admission and the fact that the offences occurred on two occasions. It also noted attempts by the accused to evade proceedings. The court ultimately opted for a financial penalty rather than imprisonment.

Borg was fined €7,000, payable over three years. He was also ordered to pay €1,000 in compensation to the injured party, within 18 months.

The victim was represented by lawyer Veronique Dalli.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech handed down the judgment.

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