Amber Heard’s lawyers demand Johnny Depp trial verdict be overturned

Jul 4 2022

Amber Heard is seeking for an appeal of or to even have the verdict thrown out from the recent defamation lawsuit between her and ex-husband Johnny Depp.

Following a 2016 op-ed Heard wrote for the Washington Post, in which she claimed she became a victim of domestic abuse, a trial between them captured the attention of millions all over the world.

Running for six weeks, the trial centred around Depp claiming that the op-ed implied he physically and sexually abused the actress. Depp was awarded $15m in damages after a jury of 7 ruled in his favour.

In a 43-page memorandum filed on Friday July 1st, Heard’s lawyers argued that the final ruling should be entirely set aside. The $10m she was ordered to pay were also demanded to be overturned after being called inconsistent and irreconcilable.

“Mr. Depp presented no evidence that Ms. Heard did not believe she was abused,” the attorneys wrote. “Therefore, Mr. Depp did not meet the legal requirements for actual malice, and the verdict should be set aside.”

Heard also claims that the juror’s award against her was excessive, having been handed down after a split verdict that found she and Depp defamed each other.

The trial found that both celebrities were guilty of defaming each other, however Depp very much came out as the winner in terms of damages. Heard was awarded $2 million in damages from Depp.

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Prison sentence for animal abusers increased to five years from three

Jul 4 2022

The government is set to increase the maximum prison sentence for animal abuse to five years up from three, whilst also introducing a registry of convicted abusers which will stop them from keeping animals.

The amendments to animal welfare laws were approved by Cabinet this week, following a closure of public consultation period on the proposals.

The veterinary services directorate will be granted the power for spot inspections on premises and farms which keep animals under the new rules. This will give the directorate greater discretion in its investigations.

Despite White Paper proposals, zoo regulations have so far remained the same. Under the proposed animal welfare rules, local councils will deploy their own animal welfare stewards for educative purposes in regards to animal owners.

Any potential owners will be given the necessary information of the costs associated with certain breeds so as to avoid any unsustainable financial burdens which could impact the animal’s health.

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WATCH: Spectacular confetti display at St. Paul’s feast in Rabat

Jul 4 2022

With festa season in full force at the moment, it’s an absolute pleasure to see locals reignite their passion for organising these celebrations. Just recently, St. Paul’s feast in Rabat hosted a gorgeous display of multi-coloured confetti and we can’t stop watching.

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The explosive confetti routine, normally synced to upbeat dance music, attracted lovers of typical Maltese festa from all walks of life to Rabat to enjoy the vibrant display of traditional beauty.

Taking place at the Rabat square at noon, multi-coloured papers were shot into the sky, creating a gorgeous scenario for everyone to enjoy.

SEND THIS TO SOMEONE WHO LOVES FESTA!

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Entrances to abandoned St Philip’s Hospital boarded up

Jul 4 2022

The Data Protection Commission have ordered the owner of the abandoned St Phillip’s Hospital to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of the documents, leading to a restriction of access to the run-down premises.

Times of Malta was informed by Information and Data Protection Commissioner Ian Deguara that the owner of the property has complied with the order issued. An investigation into the case has been closed, revealed Deguara.

Hospital owner Frank Portelli had to either secure the premises or else destroy the documents. Deguara did not elaborate but Times of Malta revealed the options to the public, despite the owner not issuing any comment.

The premises have been locked up, with the front doors which were once attached to the private hospital’s entrance confirmed to have been removed. They have since been replaced by a large slab of iron.

Smashed windows on the ground floor have also been blocked with stones from the inside. Windows on higher floors are still open but access to the premises is now very difficult.

The status of the documents is currently unknown. The provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) give authority to the commissioner to issue orders, warnings, bans or fines to entities that process people’s personal data to ensure that the integrity and confidentiality of the documents are preserved.

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