Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia has reported lawyer Mario Mifsud to the Chamber of Advocates following what she described as “intimidating and offensive” behaviour during a court sitting last week.The magistrate also found Mifsud guilty of contempt of court, fining him €100 and ordering that a video recording of the sitting be preserved and transmitted to the Chamber for any action it may deem appropriate.The incident occurred during a hearing on 26 March, when Mifsud was cross-examining a rape victim. According to court records, the sitting became increasingly tense, eventually escalating into an altercation between the lawyer and the presiding magistrate.Following the contempt ruling, Mifsud dictated a note into the court record alleging that the magistrate had previously threatened his son, lawyer Nicholas Mifsud, in connection with the same proceedings.Nicholas Mifsud had been unable to attend the sitting due to health reasons, with his father appearing on his behalf.During the hearing, issues were raised regarding the recording of proceedings, with the court informing the parties at one point that the recording system had not been activated during earlier testimony.As the sitting resumed, Mifsud argued that he had been interrupted and prevented from pursuing certain lines of questioning aimed at highlighting inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony. He further claimed that the magistrate halted proceedings when the victim became emotional and made remarks suggesting the testimony was truthful.This led to a confrontation in court, during which Mifsud accused the magistrate of attempting to undermine his role and stated that he intended to report her to the Standards Commissioner for Members of the Judiciary.He also formally requested the magistrate’s recusal, arguing that her conduct was prejudicial to his client. The prosecution objected, maintaining that the magistrate was acting appropriately in managing the proceedings.Magistrate Sant Lia rejected the request, stating that her actions were intended to maintain order and discipline in the courtroom, and deferred the case.When contacted by Newsbook, Mifsud said he had been carrying out his professional duties and maintained that he had been prevented from doing so effectively.The incident is understood to have followed a separate courtroom altercation the previous week involving Mifsud and a police inspector, though no formal action was reportedly taken in that instance.•