Jake Dalli Balzan, 21, from Fgura, has been charged with assaulting and injuring a 15-year-old student, whose name cannot be published by court order, from San Benedittu Secondary School in Hal Kirkop.
He is charged with extortion, minor injury, and for being involved in an assault committed by three or more persons, of whom two were armed. The alleged weapon used in the attack- a spring-loaded knife (mus)- was found in Dalli Balzan’s possession. He is also the boyfriend of a 13 year old girl who reportedly attacked the victim with the same knife.
Police have also arrested a 19-year-old in connection with the attack.ย He is being accused of having aimed a revolver at the victim’s head during the assault. He is very well-known to the police and was detained shortly before Dalli Balzan’s court appearance.
During the hearing, the prosecution and the victim’s legal representatives strongly objected to bail.ย Magistrate Giannella Busuttil denied bail and issued a protection order in favour of the victim.
Dalli Balzan was represented by defence lawyers Joseph Borda and David Bonello, while lawyer Jason Azzopardi appeared on behalf of the 15-year-old victim.
The 15-year-old victim was attacked on 23rd November while going for a walk near her home. Five people, including the 13-year-old girl, attacked her – punching, throwing her against a wall, and inflicting shallow wounds with the knife. Passersby called emergency services and the girl was taken to hospital after collapsing. The attack occurred after a series of bullying incidents at school in which the teenager was threatened, extorted, and harassed for months. Although there have been complaints, the Ministry of Education has, so far, denied allegations of bullying.
Newsroom
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