Barrakka lift attendant is re-assigned after assault

The Barrakka lift attendant who assaulted a German while on duty has returned to work with Transport Malta but has been given another job. Mario Antonelli was suspended after the assault. He was given a two-year conditional discharge by a court and faces disciplinary proceedings . Victim Michael Mertsch, 51, told The Times he was aggrieved at Magistrate Carol Perlata for saying in court that he had private information that Dr Mertsch was a difficult person. When contacted, Chamber of Advocates president Reuben Balzan said: “In my opinion he should not have said that but it is a delicate situation and I would not like to say anything else about it.” Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri said he had no comment to make at this stage. Full story in The Times. See victim's comments at http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130217/local/German-denies-insulting-Malta-and-Maltese-people.457948