Barrakka attack attendant is reinstated – but not at lift

The Barrakka lift attendant who assaulted a German man while on duty has returned to work with Transport Malta but is not deployed at the lift. Mario Antonelli, 45, was suspended immediately after the attack on February 10. A Transport Malta spokesman confirmed Mr Antonelli was reinstated after being given a two-year conditional discharge by a court last week, but had been assigned to another job. Despite reinstating the employee, the spokesman said further disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against Mr Antonelli “in terms of the provisions of the collective agreement”. He did not elaborate on what this would entail, nor did he respond when asked if Mr Antonelli had been assigned to another job that involved interaction with the public. Mr Antonelli admitted punching Michael Mertsch, 51, who was taken to hospital and treated for facial bruising and a cut above his right eye. The punch also broke Dr Mertsch’s spectacles, worth €350. Mr Antonelli said in court that he punched Dr Mertsch after he refused to pay the €1 fee to use the lift up to Valletta and after he insulted Malta and the Maltese. Dr Mertsch was not given the chance to give his version in court but he denied...