Judge reduces minimum jail term for Bonnici

The man who in 2010 tried to kill Opposition Leader Daniel Feetham has had almost five years shaved off the minimum prison term he must serve before he is eligible for release.

Yesterday’s development in the Supreme Court means that David Bonnici could seek parole in around six years’ time, although the final decision as to whether he can be freed will depend on doctors and the parole board, and must be rubber-stamped by the Justice Minister.

Despite the reduction, Bonnici’s legal team – which is led by Charles Salter – said it will appeal to get the minimum term reduced even further, down to just over eight years.

And in a new development, Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said the legal circumstances that arose in this case may also apply to another prisoner currently serving a life sentence. He asked prosecutors to revisit that case too.

“I don’t want the defendant to fall through the net,” he told the court.

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