Project manager made promises against payment

Prior to reporting to the police a case of bribery by the project manager of his local council, Zebbug mayor Alfred Grixti heard a recording of a conversation in which Philip Gatt promised the issuing of a hawker's permit against payment.

Gatt, 40 of Zebbug, is charged with taking 1000 promising to influence Zebbug Mayor Alfred Grixti in issuing a permit to vegetable hawker Christian Curmi.

At the start of the compilation of evidence Prosecuting Inspector Daniel Zammit took the witness stand explaining how on 14 December he was instructed by the Commissioner of Police to investigate the alleged bribery case.

Magistrate Carol Peralta heard how Curmi's father Angelo had complained with the mayor's driver that although his son paid 1000 to Gatt, the council had not issued the requested permit to work as a vegetable hawker at the Zebbug market. The driver spoke to the mayor who visited the Curmi residence to investigate the allegation. The family recounted how two months ago, 23-year old hawker Christian Curmi approached Gatt about an application for a permit of a hawker's stand at Zebbug, which was proving to be difficult to achieve. Gatt promised the young hawker he would influence the Mayor's decision against a payment of €1,000. Blinded by his sudden change in luck Curmi paid the money, however no permit was issued. While at the Curmi's residence the hawker played a mobile phone recording of the conversation he had with the local council employee. After hearing the conversation, Grixti reported the incident to the police.

Philip Gatt was arrested from the Zebbug Local Council, while Christian Curmi was arrested at his parent's residence. The police seized the phone on which the conversation was recording. In his statement to the police, Gatt admitted to taking money from Curmi but held he had planned to return the money once he realised the permit will not be issued.

Inspector Daniel Zammit prosecuted, while lawyer Edward Gatt appeared for Philip Gatt.

Christian Curmi is undergoing separate proceedings.