Hugo Chetcuti murder: reports submitted in brief sitting today

The case against Bojan Cmelik, the man accused with the murder of businessman Hugo Chetcuti, continued in court today.

In a very brief sitting, three of the prosecution's witnesses - court IT and telecommunications expert Martin Bajada, and police officers Michelle Camilleri and Darren Debattista - presented their reports to the court.

The case was adjourned to 9 January next year, when four doctors and three police constables are scheduled to take the witness stand.

Chetcuti, a well-known entrepreneur, died in hospital after having been stabbed by Cmelik, a Serbian national, in Paceville in July.

The Serb, who was a former employee at one of Chetcuti’s establishments, had been arrested in Sliema after a chase by the police.

Today's sitting saw the same tightened security in the courtroom and the court's corridors as during the previous sitting of the case, in November. 

Magistrate Marsanne Farrugia presided.

Cmelik's defence is lawyer Ishmael Psaila as legal aid. 

Lawyer Joe Giglio is appearing parte civile for the victim's family.

Inspector Nikolai Sant is prosecuting.

12:31 The case has been adjourned to 9 January next year, when four doctors and three constables are expected to testify. Massimo Costa

12:29 There are no further witnesses from the prosecution for today. Massimo Costa

12:27 Court expert Martin Bajada - an IT and telecommunications expert - presented a copy of his report to the court. This was followed by two police officers - Michelle Camilleri and Darren Debattista - taking the stand and submitting a copy of a report they drew up. Massimo Costa

12:24 Police officers armed with submachine guns patrol the corridors of the court as Cmelik is led in amid high security. Security personnel outnumber the public in the courtroom. Massimo Costa

12:23 Good afternoon. We are live at the courtroom with updates on today's sitting. Massimo Costa