Defence accuses Vince Farrugia of ‘lying under oath’

Prior to the start of the case, Vince Farrugia had sent SMS messages to members of the press to attract attention to his case. The case was riddled with perjury as witnesses repeatedly lied under oath, according to defence lawyer Edward Gatt.

Magistrate Edwina Grima was hearing the case against Sandro Chetcuti, who stands accused with inflicting grievous injuries to GRTU director Farrugia.

In his final submissions, Gatt argued Farrugia blatantly lied under oath. "The alleged victim told the court how the accused punched him 10 times on the face. This later went up to 20. If Sandro Chetcuti had punched the victim 20 times in the face, we all know what the consequences would have been," he said.

The defence said that whether or not one agreed with the forensic report by Mario Scerri, it remains a report drawn by an expert.

On analysing the medical documents, it resulted Anthony Samuel also lied under oath. Samuel, a doctor, had exaggerated the victim's injuries. It later turned out the doctor was dating the victim's daughter. 

Samuel claimed no one had approached him about the incident. However, witnesses explained they had met Samuel and discussed the case at length.

"Not only should we throw out the evidence given by Dr Samuel but as in other cases the court should suggest which direction to be followed regarding those who lie under oath," Gatt said.

Other witnesses also lied under oath, he claimed. Marcella Agius, the first person to enter Farrugia's office, told the court Farrugia was on the floor and the accused was at his side.

However, all other witnesses claimed they saw Sandro kick Farrugia in the ribs.

"The cherry on this cake is the testimony of Sylvia Gauci, who informed the court she had been called inside an office and instructed on what to say on the witness stand," the lawyer said.

The defence also attacked Farrugia's credibility. Described by Gatt as a screaming witness, Farrugia repeatedly provoked the accused. "He pointed his fingers in his face, screaming 'fraudster, fraudster'," so the accused punched him to ward him off.

Gatt claimed Chetcuti should be found guilty of slight injuries after he was provoked. Chetcuti was investigated in a police station and spent two weeks remanded in custody over charges of attempted murder.

The defence lawyer reiterate the charges should have been drawn over injuries and the case heard at a District sitting.

Furthermore, the court should order the investigation of all witnesses who have been proven to have lied under oath. No sort of justice has been delivered to Chetcuti, the defence claimed. He was charged with attempted murder simply because Farrugia was a candidate on the PN ticket and two police officers wanted to look good to the previous administration and to Farrugia.

Steve Tonna Lowell, appearing for Farrugia, said the accused had hit Farrugia so hard he broke his own hand. The charge of grievous injuries was proven by the medical reports.

The case had escalated after the accused sent a mobile text by mistake. Farrugia and Chetcuti met at the office of the former and an argument ensued.

"Sandro Chetcuti sought provocation himself," Tonna Lowell said.

Addressing allegations of perjury, the lawyer held the court should also investigate the witnesses brought forward by the defence.

The case continues.