Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544529
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 APRIL 2026 NEWS Court acquits three men over fight after key witnesses refuse to testify THREE men have been ac- quitted of all charges over a violent altercation outside a Birżebbuġa Labour club, after the court ruled the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. Brian Mangion, Shylon Man- gion and Wayne Barbara were acquitted of a string of charges arising from a fight that took place on 19 March 2024 outside the Labour club in Triq il-Bajja s-Sabiha, Birżebbuġa. The three were accused of causing grievous bodily harm to another man, threatening several members of his family, assaulting and insulting them, and disturbing public peace. The case was triggered by a report made to police at around 2pm, when officers were in- formed of a commotion at the Birżebbuġa Labour club. Police officers testified that upon ar- riving on site they found several members of the victim's family, with two of them bleeding from the head and one wearing a torn shirt. According to the prosecution, the incident involved a certain Carmelo Mangion, known as "il-Lillu", who is not charged in this case, and his sons, with tensions allegedly linked to a domestic dispute involving Mangion's wife, who worked at the club, and to confront the victim and his family members. The court heard that police had earlier intervened that same day and instructed those involved not to return to the premises. Despite this, the situation es- calated into a physical confron- tation. Brian Mangion and Car- melo Mangion were arrested on site, while Shylon Mangion and Wayne Barbara were later called to the police station and arrested. Medical certificates confirmed that two of the alleged victims suffered grievous injuries, in- cluding facial injuries requiring surgery in one of the victims' noses. However, the prosecution's case was significantly under- mined when the alleged victims chose not to testify during the proceedings in order to avoid self-incrimination. In judgment, the court em- phasised that in criminal pro- ceedings the burden lies on the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, re- lying on the best available evi- dence. The court noted that the only direct evidence linking one of the accused to any act of vio- lence was a statement by Brian Mangion, in which he admitted to punching an unidentified in- dividual, claiming he acted in self-defence. But the court found this insuf- ficient to sustain a conviction. It pointed out that the prose- cution failed to establish the identity of the person allegedly struck and did not disprove the claim of self-defence, leaving "reasonable doubt" as to crim- inal liability. On the charge of causing fear of violence, the court held that the testimony of the alleged vic- tims was essential. Their refusal to testify meant that this charge could not be proven. The same conclusion was reached on the assault and in- sult-related charges, with the court noting the lack of con- crete evidence linking the ac- cused to specific acts against identifiable individuals. As for the charge of disturb- ing public peace, the court held that the mere existence of a po- lice report about a fight was not enough. The prosecution failed to show that the accused's ac- tions caused objective alarm or concern for safety, as required by law. Concluding that the prosecu- tion had failed to meet the re- quired standard of proof on all counts, the court acquitted all three accused of every charge. Defence lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Adreana Zammit represented the accused. Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided over the sitting. JULIA DOWLING jdowling@mediatoday.com.mt MIA announces new airport hotel for 2027 THE Malta International Airport (MIA) has announced its first air- port hotel set to debut next year as part of the SkyParks 2 develop- ment. The four-star hotel, named Tribe, will be located on MIA's grounds, featuring 98 rooms, a heated indoor pool and spa, a res- taurant, panoramic views, along with meeting and office facilities. Price will range from €110 to €200 per night. In addition to the business ho- tel, Tribe will include two blocks offering office spaces, retail and F&B outlets, and an underground car park. "This as a unique opportunity to serve a rapidly growing niche, driven by increasing passenger traffic and demand for high-qual- ity accommodation for transit travellers, short business stays, and those seeking the added convenience of staying close to the airport for early departures," Chief Executive Officer of Claret Group Sean LeGault said. Accor Group's hotel will be op- erated by Claret Group in their second franchised partnership. "We are confident in Claret Group's ability to deliver a suc- cessful operation," General Man- ager of SkyParks Business Cen- tre Thomas Abela said. "Their proven track record in the local hospitality industry, coming with the hotel's unique location, offer- ing access to on-site amenities, the wider SkyParks complex and growing airport, make this a first for the Maltese islands." EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt Price will range from €110 to €200 per night (Photo: Malta International Airport)