Malta - Magistrate clears postman who failed to deliver

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Magistrate clears postman who failed to deliver letters in protest over conditions

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A postman who intentionally failed to deliver 66 letters in protest over working conditions was today cleared of criminal intent although a magistrate ruled that he had failed his duties.

Anthony Zammit, a 36-year-old postman from Zabbar, refused to deliver the letters on November 24, 2008.

The police prosecuted Mr Zammit after Maltapost carried out an internal investigation into the missing letters and parcels.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia heard how Mr Zammit did not deny failing to deliver the letters and he told the police that he had done so out of protest as his complaints about work pressures had fallen on deaf ears.

He told the police that there had been disagreement between the Maltapost management and the union representing postal workers over working hours, overtime and working conditions.

The magistrate also heard how internal disciplinary proceedings against Mr Zammit had been initiated but had been suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case.

In his judgment, Magistrate Farrugia noted how Mr zammit was still employed with Maltapost, which indicated that the company still trusted him.

The court said that while Mr Zammit had undoubtedly failed his duties, the court also understood the reasoning behind his actions and his complaints about unfavourable working conditions at the time.

The magistrate said that Mr Zammit could have got his message across in other ways, but his actions did not warrant a criminal conviction. He therefore cleared him of the charges.

Police Inspector Fabian Fleri prosecuted while lawyer John Bonello appeared for Mr Zammit.