Ex-mayor withdraws complaint against auditor

Former Cospicua mayor Paul Muscat yesterday withdrew a complaint he had filed against auditor Joseph Gauci who had compiled a report alleging irregularities and misappropriation of the council's funds by Mr Muscat three years ago.

Mr Muscat withdrew the complaint after Mr Gauci declared that, in light of evidence produced, he believed there had not been irregularities at the Cospicua council and the money had been used in the way that best benefited the council.

In February 2003 Mr Muscat had been arraigned and charged with embezzlement, bribery and misappropriation following a report prepared by Mr Gauci at the council's request in September 2002.

Following his arraignment, Mr Muscat filed a complaint to the police over the allegations made by Mr Gauci about him. Consequently, the police proceeded against Mr Gauci.

In a sitting in the case against Mr Gauci, yesterday, Mr Muscat and Mr Gauci filed a declaration signed by themselves and their lawyers.

In the declaration, Mr Gauci declared he no longer had reason to believe that Mr Muscat was involved in any criminal action. Consequently, Mr Muscat dropped the complaint against Mr Gauci.

Dr Angelo Farrugia appeared for Mr Muscat.

Dr Pierre Lofaro represented Mr Gauci.