Mr Justice Ray Pace was arrested and charged with corruption offences relating to alleged drugs trafficking, according to the Malta Star newspaper.
Ombudsman and Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino told the Times of Malta: ‘I am shocked by the episode… I cannot agree more with those who are suggesting a reform to the system by making judges and magistrates more accountable, with full respect to their independence.’

Public trust

One of his predecessors, Chief Justice Emeritus Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici, cautioned against excessive speculation around the charge. ‘Although the media is not bound by the principle of the presumption of innocence,’ he said, ‘I would prefer if everyone awaits final judgment.’
However, Reuben Balza, president of Malta’s Chamber of Advocates, claimed the charges would ‘severely undermine’ the public’s trust in the judiciary. He said: ‘Like the rest of the legal profession, my reaction was one of shock but also one of anger that these incidents will cause irreparable damage irrespective of their outcome.’