Former Chief Justice Dr Noel Arrigo and former Judge Dr Patrick Vella, who are being charged with bribery are expected to stand a trial without a jury separately. The two former judges are being accused of accepting Lm10,000 to reduce the prison sentence of drug trafficker Mario Camilleri.
On Monday morning, the Criminal Court presided over by Judge Joseph Galea Debono rejected a plea made by the defence to prohibit the use of telephone call recordings made by the Maltese Secret Service as a proof. The defence stated that the telephone calls should not be given relevance since the conversations were made by tertiary persons.
Dr Galea Debono explained that since the case will be heard in front of a Judge, the latter will decide the relevance of the recordings. He added that the persons recorded on tapes could be asked to give evidence during the trial.
Lawyers Dr Joseph Giglio, George Abela and Joseph Arrigo are appearing for Dr Noel Arrigo, while Dr Michael Sciriha, Toni Abela and Jose' Herrera are appearing for Dr Patrick Vella. The prosecution is being led by Assistant Attorney General Stephen Vella Lowell.
The case is due to continue on April 3, 2006.
Meanwhile, last week, 61-year-old Joe Zammit, also known as is-Sei who is involved in this case, pleaded guilty to complicity in the bribery.
See also:
Ex-judges offered Lm 10,000 worth of drinks in bribe
By Ruth Davies - Feb 3, 2006, 17:56 CET
MaltaMedia's special feature regarding the former Judges' case.
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