Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/191652
4 News maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2013 In the name of public morals and decent behaviour CHRISTIAN MANGION INCONSISTENCY in evidence, the use of identical language and an obvious element of vengeance should be taken into consideration by the court prior to delivering judgment, lawyer Lucio Sciriha argued in defence of Marco Borg, who stands accused of assaulting two young women last year. The case, dating back to 3 February 2012, made news when it was described by sections of the media as a possible case of homophobia. Borg, 44, of Birkirkara, was arraigned in court and charged with attempting to grievously injure two young women, causing them slight injuries and relapsing. The alleged victims were aged 17 and 21. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €1,000 and subsequently lost his job. However the defence contended that the accused had stood up for morality after the two women started kissing on a public bus. Borg, who at the time was employed as a bus driver, took the witness stand and explained how he was going home as a passenger on the Naxxar route after his shift ended. When the bus got to Msida, two female passengers started kissing. Borg assumed the two were lesbians and told them to behave properly in public. Moments later he again pointed out to the two youths that the bus was full of young schoolchildren and their actions were scandalous. "Can you behave decently on a public bus? Or just don't sit next to each other," Borg told them. The accused held that he had spoken to the women in a polite manner and at no time had he been aggressive. The bus driver, Maurizio Polidano, corroborated Borg's testimony and did not recollect any physical fighting. The on-board CCTV also substantiated Borg's version of events: the footage shows the two youths standing against the inside of the bus and Borg holding out his left arm defensively, while he lifts his right arm in a threatening position. No part of the footage shows Borg assaulting or punching the young women. Other passengers also testified that Borg asked the youths not to kiss in front of people and to behave properly. By the time the bus arrived at Sar- Call for the provision of 2 Study Support Workers Malta's Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 'Promoting an Procurement and Purchasing Unit ESF 3.113 Employment Support for Persons with Disabilities Call for the provision of Study Support Workers Employment and Training Corporation ESF 3.113 Employment Support for Person with Disabilities Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Investing in your future rija, Floriana, the dispute had escalated. One of the youths lashed out at the accused, saying she lived in a democratic country and could do as she pleased. The youths and the accused rose from their seats and con- fronted each other face-to-face. The bus driver stopped and asked Borg to get off the bus. The accused agreed and left the vehicle in a calm and orderly manner. However, though claiming they were scared and