The case arose from an incident in Ta’ Xbiex in August 2024, following which Constable Abela faced criminal charges alleging that he had assaulted an arrested person.
Throughout the proceedings, the defence challenged the allegations and examined the evidence presented by the prosecution, including statements from police officers and available CCTV and police body-camera footage.
The Court carefully assessed the evidence relating to the circumstances of the arrest and the alleged injuries. In its judgment, the Court noted that the evidence did not establish, to the required standard, that Constable Abela had caused the injuries alleged.
The Court also considered evidence concerning the conduct of the arrested individual during the incident and while being transported in a police vehicle.
Following its assessment of the evidence, the Court found that an essential element of the charges had not been sufficiently proven and consequently acquitted Constable Alan Joseph Abela of all charges.
Constable Abela was represented by HM Advocates, with lawyers Dr Herman Mula and Dr Silvan Pulis appearing for the defence.
The judgment underscores the fundamental principle that criminal liability must be established through sufficient evidence and that an accused person is entitled to the full protection of the presumption of innocence unless guilt is proven in accordance with law.
HM Advocates remains committed to providing robust and professional representation to clients facing criminal proceedings, ensuring that every case is examined carefully and that the rights of the accused are fully safeguarded.
This case update is based on the judgment and publicly reported court proceedings. All persons are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a final judgment.