Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/567101
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2015 News 9 MIRIAM DALLI THE Police Force needs a new di- rection, according to the former Police Commissioner who this week decided to defend a man ac- cused of police assault. Peter Paul Zammit, who was police chief for one year between 2013 and 2014, has also stepped down from his role as security co- ordinator for the upcoming meet- ing of the Commonwealth heads of government. A defiant Zammit also said that he had stepped down voluntar- ily from his role as police chief: "I wasn't removed but I left. I went there to lead but, for different rea- sons, the political masters were not in agreement with my proposals." Contacted by MaltaToday, Zam- mit partly confirmed that his decision to step down from the CHOGM post was to join the de- fence team of Josmar Agius, ac- cused of police assault when Zam- mit was police chief. At the same time, he emphasised that it hadn't been the sole reason as he had completed his job as security co- ordinator. "Security matters are ultimately handled by the Commissioner for Police. I was the coordinator … the one who set the wheels in motion thanks to my legal and practical experience," Zammit said. A legal procurator by profession, Zammit pointed to comments that compared him to a best man leav- ing before a wedding: "I am not the best man but merely a person brought in for advice. I coordi- nated the security plan, which is now awaiting the Prime Minister's approval … I have nothing left to coordinate." As security matters are handled by the Commissioner for Police, questions arose as to whether Zammit's role had been created specifically for him following his 'dismissal' from the force. "I was needed because you had a new head of the police force who stayed on for a short term," Zammit replied, referring to the appointment of Ray Zammit as acting police commissioner. Ray Zammit was himself asked to re- sign the post. Peter Paul Zammit went on to explain that the level of security had changed drastically since the CHOGM that was held in Malta in 2005. Earlier this year, Parliament was told that during his tenure as police commissioner, Peter Paul Zammit had ordered that no charges be pressed against Josmar Agius in relation to the police as- sault incident. Back in May, an inquiry report tabled in parliament had found that Zammit had personally inter- vened to drop charges against his former client. Agius had been a client of Zammit's, who practised as a legal procurator before joining the police force. Zammit himself had ordered the inquiry. His decision to defend Agius in court has raised eyebrows, but Zammit rubbished any emerging criticism by stating that he was "after the truth". "The only difference between myself and politicians who are also lawyers is that I never was of dis- service to my clients. He [Agius] came to me for my advice; I did my job as Police Commissioner and stopped the charges. How could I let it go on knowing that police officers were accusing someone unjustly?" The court refused to allow Zam- mit to represent himself as an in- terested party in the proceedings so he has now informed a court that he would be joining the de- fence team. "I want the truth to out and being part of the defence team ensures that. The shortcomings (by the po- lice) in this case must come to an end… the Police Force needs new direction and perhaps I had been too good." Zammit reiterated that it had been his duty, as former police chief, to see that a person is not charged with an offence that was "manifestly unfounded". Former police chief says force needs 'new direction' Research Fellowship Placement Oppor tunity within the European Space Agenc y (ESA) The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) has launched a Call for a Research Fellowship Placement Opportunity within the European Space Agency (ESA) in the below areas: - Space science, in particular astronomy and astrophysics, solar system exploration and solar-terrestrial physics; - Earth observation research and application, in particular ESA Satellite tracking to provide the meteorological basis and the reference system and frames, environmental monitoring, meteorology, aeronomy and geoinformatics and disaster management; - Telecommunications, including service demonstrations as well as satellite navigation; - Microgravity research, in particular space biology and medicine, and materials processing; - Technology development, including software and hardware; and - Ground segment engineering and utilisation All applications should be received by 19 October 2015 at Noon (CET). Additional information is available under the News section on MCST's website or by telephone on 23602172. The Malta Council For Science And Technology, Villa Bighi, Kalkara KKR 1320, Malta www.mcst.gov.mt Freak accident leaves car overhanging boathouse A car ended up partially in mid- air and overhanging a boathouse yesterday afternoon. The incident happened at about 5pm in Triq ix-Xtut, Qawra. The car, a Peugeot 406, was be- ing reversed when it mounted the pavement, knocked down the railing and ended up on the boat- house's roof, with its rear wheels in mid-air. A man was injured with stones falling as a result. He was sitting outside the boathouse below, and suffered injuries to his feet when he was hit by the stones. A car parked outside the boat- house, a canopy and an air-con- ditioner were damaged. Peter Paul Zammit: I was not removed, I left. 'I want the truth to out and being part of the defence team ensures that'