Experts testify in bank drafts forgery case

A magistrate started hearing evidence in the compilation of evidence against a former bank employee who is charged with forging the signature of his wife, now estranged, to obtain bank drafts.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi heard evidence in the case against the man, whose name cannot be published by court order, and who is pleading not guilty to charges brought against him.

Calligraphy expert Joseph Gaffiero and technical expert Martin Bajada had been appointed by the bank where the accused was employed to examine signatures on documents bearing the signatures of the accused and his wife.

Mr Gaffiero concluded that the wife's signature had been forged and could have been filled in by her husband. Mr Bajada added that there was sufficient evidence to indicate that the woman's signature had indeed been forged.

The magistrate heard how the allegedly forged documents included two bank drafts for Lm2,000 and Lm3,000 that were issued to furniture companies.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafà prosecuted.

Lawyer Pawlu Lia appeared for the man and lawyer Frank Cassar appeared in parte civile.