Lawyer accused of 'verbal threats'

Joseph Fenech, known as Zeppi l-Hafi, has filed a complaint with the Chamber of Advocates claiming he was threatened by Gozitan lawyer Anton Refalo at the law courts in Victoria last Thursday.

In a letter on Monday, lawyer Charmaine Cherrett said her client was asking the Chamber to take "the opportune steps" against Dr Refalo after he verbally threatened Mr Fenech and made untruthful allegations during a sitting before Magistrate Paul Coppini.

Dr Cherret said her client was willing to provide more information and, in addition, there were a number of witnesses who could substantiate the claims contained in the letter.

It is not unusual in such instances for the Chamber to contact both parties with a view to reaching an amicable solution. If this fails, the matter could be referred to the Commission for the Administration of Justice which has a committee that deals with such issues.