Skinny-dipping Frenchman who attacked police fined €4,000, handed suspended jail term

A 24-year-old French tourist was today handed a two year jail term suspended for four years and fined €4,000 after admitting to skinny-dipping in St Julian’s, and to assaulting two police sergeants who tried to dress him up.

The incident occurred on Saturday at around 7:20am, when the accused, Yohan Schwanke, was spotted running across the road from McDonald’s in St Julian’s.

The youth – who was naked and drunk – then ran towards the Love sign in St Julian’s and jumped in the sea. It is understood that the accused then climbed onto a nearby boat, bent over and showed his bottom to police Sergeant Oliver Cassar

Sources close to the investigation said that the accused then got out of the sea and wore a shorts provided by a passer-by. However, sources said, that while being escorted to the police station, Schwank, punched Sergeant Cassar, breaking his glasses in the progress.

Upon seeing his colleague being assaulted, Sergeant Anthony De Giovanni went to his colleague’s assistance, apprehended the accused, and escorted him to the police station.

The two police officials were subsequently admitted to hospital, where they were certified to be suffering from slight injuries.

Standing in court this afternoon, Yohan Schwanke admitted to assaulting and injuring police officials, to being drunk, to exposing himself naked, to disobeying police orders, to damaging the Sgt Cassar’s glasses, to threatening police officials, and to breaching public peace.

The accused said he was drunk, but nevertheless, said he wanted to plead guilty. The court also noted that the man apologised for his actions and that he was willing to pay for the damage he caused.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli handed the man a two year jail term suspended for four years and fined him €4,000 after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court also ordered the accused not to approach the two sergeants and ordered the accused to pay for the damaged glasses.

Inspector Jason Francis sultana prosecuted.