Former national footballer Justin Haber has been found guilty by the Court of subjecting a minor under the age of 15 to acts of a sexual nature, in breach of several provisions of the Criminal Code.
The Court, presided over by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, heard that Haber directed unwanted verbal remarks, gestures and actions with sexual connotations towards the minor, who is considered legally vulnerable due to her age. The Court also found that he displayed or circulated written words, images, or other material of a sexual nature.
Stafrace Zammit noted that these acts were not consented to by the victim and could reasonably be considered offensive, humiliating, degrading, or intimidating, thereby constituting a criminal offence under Articles 17, 18, 31, 208AC(2)(a), 251A(1)(e) and 251H(c) of Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta.
The case relates to incidents that occurred between 2020 and 2022 at a private establishment where the minor was employed. Haber faced charges under provisions of the Criminal Code relating to inappropriate and unwanted conduct directed at a person under 15 years of age.
Prosecution’s Case
Inspector Kylie Borg from the Vice Squad testified that the investigation began following a report through Aġenzija Appoġġ. The minor and several other individuals were interviewed, with their statements described as consistent and detailed.
The court heard that an arrest warrant was issued on 4 October 2022, with Haber taken into custody two days later. The minor gave testimony through a protected video link, describing a pattern of unwanted behaviour.
Her account was supported by a colleague who witnessed part of the conduct, and by the victim’s mother, who confirmed that her child had been distressed by the situation. Police officers and a child protection officer also testified, providing supporting documentation.
Defence’s Position
Haber denied the accusations, insisting that there had been misunderstandings or misinterpretations. He also suggested that some claims may have been influenced by external factors.
A partner and a former employee gave evidence on his behalf, stating they had not witnessed any inappropriate conduct.
Court’s Assessment
The magistrate noted that under Maltese law, a single credible witness can provide sufficient grounds for a conviction.
After examining the evidence, the Court found the minor’s testimony clear, consistent, and credible, while identifying contradictions in the accused’s statements.
The Court concluded that the behaviour described by the victim did occur and fell within the scope of the offence charged.
Sentence and Orders
After finding him guilty, the Court sentenced Justin Haber to two years in prison, suspended for four years, and imposed a €7,000 fine.
A three-year restraining order was also issued in favour of the victim under Article 382A of the Criminal Code. This order forms an integral part of the sentence and prohibits any form of contact or approach by the accused towards the victim during its duration.
Additionally, pursuant to Chapter 518 of the Laws of Malta, the Court ordered that Haber’s name be entered into the Sexual Offenders Register. A copy of the sentence was transmitted to the Registrar of Courts for the necessary annotations.
You can read the full judgment here
Newsroom
Leave a Reply