61-year-old Joe Zammit, also known as is-Sei, pleaded guilty to charges of bribery in case of former judges Dr. Noel Arrigo and Dr. Patrick Vella. Taking the witness stand in court on Friday, Mr. Zammit, from Valletta, explained how the judges were allegedly offered Lm 10,000 worth of drinks each in order to deduct the prison sentence of Mario Camilleri, also known as L-Imniehru. Speaking in court, presided over by Magistrate Abigail Lofaro, Mr. Zammit explained how he was contacted by approached the Mario Cammilleri’s son, Pierre; who in turn asked him to get in touch with a judge to reduce his father's prison sentence.
Mr. Zammit added that he spoke of the matter to Judge Patrick Vella who initially refused to take up the offer. Mr. Zammit knew the former judge through acquaintances. Anthony Grech Sant, who was also accused alongside Mario Cammilleri, approached
former Chief Justice Noel Arrigo who was presiding over the appeal together with Patrick Vella. In turn, Mr. Zammit contacted Judge Vella yet again and this time the judge agreed to comply. Speaking to the court, Mr. Zammit also said that the third judge presding over the appeal, Dr. Joseph Filletti, did not participate in the bribery.
Two days prior to the judgement, Mr. Zammit contacted Judge Vella yet again and explained how the sum was to be reduced to Lm 5,000 for each judge since Mario Cammilleri did not have enough money to give the judges Lm 20,000 between them. As a result, Mario Camilleri's prison sentence was reduced from 16 years to 12 years.
Mr. Zammit said that Judge Vella contacted him in order to obtain his sum of money, which was handed to him shortly afterwards in a large envelope by Mr. Zammit. Mr. Zammit also added that he received Lm 2,000 for his participation in the bribe. Money which he insisted he used to pay off personal debts including sums payable to usurers and a bank loan. Mr. Zammit said that serving his five month jail term had made him repent and that.
Lawyer Dr. Christopher Soler is appearing for Joe Zammit, whilst Lawyer Dr. Franco Debono is defending Pierre and Mario Camilleri. The hearing has been deferred to the 3rd March 2006. The prosecution is being led by Superintendent Pierre Calleja.
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