Valletta, Malta – A 34-year-old man from Libya, Khaled Eddali, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a violent assault that occurred in Marsa in 2021. Eddali, a man without a fixed address, faced charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, aggravated theft, and causing serious injuries to a third party, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The attack took place when Eddali assaulted a Syrian man with a meter-long metal bar, resulting in the victim being hospitalized for several days due to injuries sustained to his head, arms, and legs. During the assault, the victim’s mobile phone and around €60 in cash were reportedly stolen.
In court, the victim testified that he was outside the garage he shared with two other men on Triq is-Serkin when Eddali appeared and initiated the assault. The motive behind the attack remained unclear to the victim.
The court found Eddali guilty of causing serious injuries to the Syrian man but acquitted him of the other charges. The judge took into account Eddali’s history of criminal behavior, lack of remorse for past actions, and the impact of the injuries on the victim in determining the sentencing.
As part of his sentence, Eddali was ordered to pay court expenses amounting to €1,547.27 within six months and to commit to not harassing the victim, backed by a €1,000 personal guarantee. The court also directed the Police Commissioner to assess Eddali’s status in Malta after serving his sentence and consider potential deportation given his criminal record.
Overall, the case highlighted the consequences of violent behavior and served as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the justice system. The victim’s forgiveness towards his attacker also showcased the power of understanding and reconciliation in the face of adversity.