Serial criminal Jordan Azzopardi was back in the dock on Thursday charged with sexual assault, robbery, grievous bodily harm, and holding a man against his will in a store basement in San Ġwann.
Azzopardi, 36, was charged with 23-year-old Abdulmomen H M Abudagil.
Only one of the accused requested bail, but this was not granted.
The case took place on 21 April when at around 7:45pm the victim entered Sama Shop on Naxxar road San Ġwann. The shop belonged to Abdulmomen, and he allegedly took the victim down to the basement of the store, where the assault occurred.
Abdulmomen and another man began to grievously harm the victim in the basement. The other man was later identified as recidivist Jordan Azzopardi, also known as ‘El Chapo’, who was currently out on bail.
It was also reported that they robbed and sexually abused the victim by penetrating him with an object.
The court heard how the victim eventually managed to escape but was soon admitted into hospital for the injuries he sustained.
The two accused were arrested and appeared in front of Magistrate Abigail Critien this afternoon. The arrest was not contested.
Azzopardi and Abugadil both pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Abugadil made a request to be released on bail, Azzopardi did not.
Prosecution objected to the request for bail, based on the fear that the accused would tamper with evidence as the investigation was still ongoing.
He also expressed fear the accused would flee the country while on bail.
This was based on the fact that at the time of the incident, the accused had allegedly told the victim that if he ever manages to escape, he will catch the next flight to Libya and he will never see him again.
Abugadil’s defence lawyer argued that this would not be the case as his father declared that if released on bail, he will reside with him in his residence. Apart from that, defence made an emphasis on Abugadil’s strong ties with Malta, as he has been living in the country for over 14 years and also owns property and has a shop in Malta.
Defence further argued the accused was still young and that prior to this conviction he had a perfectly clean criminal record.
Prosecution argued back saying that it does not matter that this is his first conviction as he is being charged with “half the criminal code” and ultimately the gravity of the accusations made against him need to be given weight as all the charges were of very serious nature.
After hearing both sides, the court denied the request for bail for 23-year-old Abdulmomen and ordered a protection order against the accused in favour of the victim upon the prosecution’s request.
The case was presided over by Abigail Critien.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Adreana Zammit, and Matthew Xuereb appeared for the defence. Prosecution was led by Inspectors Wayne Buhagiar and James Turner.
