Illegal Night Time Spear Fishermen Hit Enforcement Officer With Car

Last week, Malta Rangers came across two individuals with speargun entering the sea near the secluded Wied Xaqqa in Birżebbuġa during a coastal night patrol.

As per procedure, the Fisheries Department was alerted and two officers arrived on site slightly afterwards.

‘When the accused later exited the water and came up to their vehicle, they were approached by the Enforcement Officers. They first tried to avoid getting caught by claiming that they did 'research.’

Rangers reported that they had evidence of them using a speargun and shortly after the Officers ‘indeed found said gear hidden near a rock.’

‘The duo started to argue loudly with the Officers and one of the accused grabbed the confiscated speargun from the Officer's hand and put it in his vehicle.’

‘The accused revved his vehicle and steered around the Officer. When he realised he won't manage, he instead steered directly towards the Officer and hit him before fleeing the scene. The Officer luckily escaped with no direct injuries.’

A police report was filed at the Birżebbuġa Police station. The accused now risk facing charges in relation to hitting a public officer apart from illegal spearfishing.

‘Instead of a simple administration fine and lost gear, he will now be charged and sentenced in Court.’

#MaltaDaily