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Ombudsman flags ‘significant legal anomalies’ in issuance and renewal of Y-plate operator licences: The Commissioner for Environment and Planning (CEP) has identified legal anomalies and administrative irregularities in the issuance and renewal of Y-plate operator licenses. A report by the Ombudsman’s Office, triggered by a complaint from an operator, highlights issues arising from October 2023 regulatory changes. These require operators with five or more vehicles to garage them in a commercial facility, backed by an architect’s declaration. However, the Kamra tal-Periti opposed the regulations due to lack of consultation. The CEP urged Transport Malta (TM) to renew affected licenses and address inconsistencies between TM regulations, the Development Planning Act, and the Periti Act. The report stresses better communication, stakeholder engagement, and legal clarity to resolve ongoing conflicts.
Kamra tal-Periti reaches conclusion on warrants of architects involved in Miriam Pace death: The Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) has reached a decision regarding the warrants of architects Roderick Camilleri and Anthony Mangion, who were found guilty of involuntary homicide in the Miriam Pace case. Pace died in 2020 when her home collapsed due to adjacent construction works. Camilleri also faced charges for false declarations to authorities. Initially sentenced to community service and fines, their penalties were later increased on appeal. KTP President Andre Pizzuto stated that the ruling is being finalised and will be made public soon. The KTP had to wait for court proceedings to conclude before reviewing their professional conduct. The decision will determine whether they lose their warrants permanently or face suspension.
Morning Briefing
Father and son guilty of 2017 murder
Kurt Grech and his father, Joseph Grech, have been found guilty of the 2017 murder of Brandon Pace. Pace, who was 21 at the time, was fatally stabbed multiple times at the entrance of his apartment on Giovanni Barbara Street, Ħamrun, in April 2017. On Monday, after nearly eight hours of deliberation, the jury delivered its verdict, with six jurors voting guilty and three not guilty. Kurt Grech, 31, known as in-Nemes, and his father, Joseph Grech, 61, both from Pietà, stood in the dock as the decision was read out. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, 10 March.
The two were charged with wilful homicide, unlawful possession of knives, breaching public peace and good order, and threatening the victim’s mother, Lisa Pace, and his partner, Jessica Bilocca. Kurt Grech also faced an additional charge of grievously injuring Bilocca with a knife, while Joseph Grech was accused of threatening the victim’s sister, Donna Pace, with a knife during the altercation. (Times of Malta)
Gozo carnival registers attendance records
Carnival has firmly established itself as Gozo’s most popular weekend, with this year’s celebrations likely setting new attendance records, according to Gozo Tourism Authority CEO Joe Muscat. Although official figures from the Gozo Channel are yet to be released, Muscat noted that early indications suggest a larger turnout than in previous years, as thousands travelled to the island for the colourful festivities. “It has become the most popular weekend in Gozo, attracting both the domestic and foreign market,” Muscat said. He highlighted that Carnival is particularly popular among younger crowds, with various parties taking place across the island. However, on Saturday evening, the focal point remains the Nadur Spontaneous Carnival, which draws large crowds to the town square. Muscat also credited this year’s success to favourable weather conditions. Unlike previous years, when rain often disrupted events, this edition saw clear skies, allowing all activities to proceed as planned without delays or cancellations. (The Malta Independent)
Online threats can lead to femicide- Junior Minister
Online threats have the potential to escalate into more serious crimes, including femicide, Equality Junior Minister Rebecca Buttigieg cautioned. Speaking at a conference on domestic violence in the digital sphere, Buttigieg highlighted the growing sophistication and prevalence of cyber violence. She noted that while Maltese laws already recognise such acts as criminal offences, discussions at events like this are crucial for exchanging ideas on how best to combat online abuse. “Society cannot turn a blind eye to this form of abuse. Those who commit cyber crimes are at risk of committing more serious offences,” she said. Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Samantha Pace Gasan spoke about the national strategy on violence, which seeks to enhance prevention efforts, strengthen prosecution measures, and improve victim support systems for technology-facilitated violence. The conference formed part of a project by the National Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, supported by the European Economic Area and Norway Grants.
