The phrase 'hoist by his own petard' springs to mind (very appropriately considering this is Malta)
On Facebook, man arraigned for the illegal shooting of a cuckoo had promised to uphold the law shortly after the Maltese voted to retain spring hunting.
“From my end, I promise I will do my utmost to follow the law and to show responsibility while practicing this dear hobby of ours. I also promise my support for any minority targeted just like us hunters, because I wish for nobody to pass from the martyrdom of the last months.”
He was fined the maximum €2,500, had his licence suspended for three and a half years, and his shotgun confiscated.