Witness describes scenes at 2010 HSBC hold-up

As the court continued hearing the case against shamed police inspector David Gatt, accused of masterminding a number of crimes, including the 2010 hold-up on an HSBC branch, a witness claimed that he had no idea why he was summoned to court.

Paul Borg who was present during the burglary from the Balzan HSBC branch in June 2010 told the court that on his way to the Court he questioned himself why he was attending court when he had no idea who the accused was.

The court presided by Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona was hearing the compilation of evidence against former police inspector and lawyer David Gatt who stands charged with being the mastermind behind a number or organised crimes including the failed attempt on the HSBC head office.

The witness described the scene during the hold-up inside the Balzan bank.

"Five armed men walked into the bank. One stood near the door, one gathered the employees in a corner and the rest walked to the safe. One of the robbers told the staff that nothing was needed from them and they should stay out of the way. The manager walked with them to the entrance of the safe and that was as far as I could see," Borg told the court.The court also heard the evidence of Forensics Inspector Raymond Cassar in connection with allegations made by PC99 Mario Portelli, on whose evidence the police are basing the case. The constable was formerly a friend of the accused.

Inspector Cassar explained how on 3 December 2010 he had taken photos of a tree close to the residence of PC 99 in Qrendi.

Portelli had claimed that someone had repeatedly shot at the tree. After taking photographs the tree was cut down and taken for further examination. No bullet holes were found in the trunk nor were any spent shells found in the area were the tree was previously planted.

In previous sittings PC99's evidence has been repetitively challenged and the constable was called a "liar from A to Z". Restaurateur Raymond Abela had insisted that Portelli's claim that he had kissed Gatt's hand and spoke to him in Italian was a lie as he doesn't even know how to speak Italian.

Dr Joe Giglio is appearing for the accused.