LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Former Malta international footballer and current Floriana local councillor Justin Haber has been found guilty of threatening his sister and has been issued with a one-year restraining order by Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella.
Haber, a former national team goalkeeper and prominent figure in Maltese football, was charged in relation to an incident that occurred on January 8, when he sent his sister, Pearl Vella Haber, a voice message threatening to “behead” her. The threat followed a family dispute involving their mother.
During the court proceedings, Pearl testified that this was not the first time she had reported her brother. In 2014, she had taken a previous case to court but withdrew it for family reasons. “The main reason I decided to go through with the report this time is because I know he is capable of such things,” she told the court. Pearl also spoke of living in fear, avoiding underground car parks to prevent potential confrontations with her brother.
Initially, Haber denied the charges, but later admitted to his actions while testifying in court. Magistrate Vella found him guilty on all counts and imposed a restraining order that bars him from approaching, contacting, or going near his sister. Violation of the order could result in a €2,000 fine.
Haber, who had a long-standing career with the Malta national football team, was elected to the Floriana local council in 2024 on the Labour Party ticket. The Labour Party is discussing Floriana councillor Justin Haber’s court case internally before deciding if any action should be taken against him.
In a heartfelt personal statement, Justin Haber took full responsibility for a recent controversial statement, expressing deep regret and offering a formal apology.
He explained that his remarks came during a highly emotional time, dealing with the distress of a parent battling cancer. “Every child, when faced with the pain and suffering of a parent — especially one battling cancer — naturally feels overwhelmed and emotionally vulnerable,” Haber said. “Under immense stress, people sometimes say things they do not mean. That was the case here.”
While acknowledging his fault, Haber emphasized that his intent was never to cause harm. He reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to his core values of respect, responsibility, and integrity, calling on genuine people to judge him fairly.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
