Seven testify on power of attorney signatures

Seven signatories to a power of attorney document yesterday took the witness stand in the compilation of evidence against a notary who stands charged with tampering with documents.

Alfred Gauci, his four brothers Joseph, Michael, Carmelo and Anthony, their sister Censina Zammit and their nephew Raymond Farrugia followed each other to testify in the case against Sandro Schembri Adami.

The 40-year-old Valletta notary is pleading not guilty to forging the signature of his former employee Notary Sara Anne Agius onto three power of attorney documents on and before August 2004.

The seven witnesses testified after having been cautioned by Magistrate Anthony Vella.

Albert Gauci explained that he had known Notary Schembri Adami for some time and requested his services when his father passed away in order to access money at Bank of Valletta and HSBC Bank.

Mr Gauci explained that Dr Schembri Adami has asked him to take a power of attorney document to his siblings to sign it. Mr Gauci did as he was told and the two-page document was signed by his six siblings and his late sister's son, Mr Zammit.

Mr Gauci explained that the seven signatories signed on the first page of the document.

Some time later the notary told Mr Gauci the document was not valid unless the signatories signed on both sheets. He gave him a new power of attorney document and Mr Gauci took it to the other signatories who signed on both pages.

Mr Gauci said he and his relatives managed to withdraw the money from the two banks when they personally went to the banks to sign other documents.

At yesterday's sitting all seven witnesses were shown a document and, although they recognised their signature on the first sheet, they said they did not recognise their signature on the second.

The case continues.