Joel Micallef found not guilty of Nikkita Azzopardi’s murder because of mental impairment

Tuesday, 9th December 2025 - Herald Sun

Sam Norton, the defence lawyer for Mr. Micallef, stated that his client admitted to killing Ms. Azzopardi but argued for a not guilty verdict due to mental impairment. Justice Amanda Fox concurred, noting that Mr. Micallef was experiencing a relapse of schizophrenia at the time, causing him to believe his partner was a threat to his life. This delusion impaired his reasoning, leading him to perceive his actions as justifiable. The court also noted his previous involuntary admissions to psychiatric facilities, and Mr. Micallef will return later to discuss the terms of his supervision order.

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