Two charged over migrants' escape re-arrested

A court has revoked the bail granted to a Zejtun man and his daughter who last week were charged with their involvement in aiding and abetting immigrants escape from Malta.

Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano upheld an application filed by the Attorney General and ordered the re-arrest of Antonio Abdilla, 59, and his 26-year-old daughter Dorianne.

They were originally granted bail on condition they do not leave their home without court permission. They were also bound by a personal guarantee of Lm15,000 each. The Chief Justice ruled he could not understand the purpose of imposing a personal guarantee of a hefty amount as it did not serve as a sufficient deterrent.

In light of the nature of the crime and the circumstances, the judge upheld the request made by the Attorney General and ordered that the two accused be re-arrested.

Police Inspectors Jeffrey Cilia and Josric Mifsud are prosecuting.

Lawyer Joseph Brincat is appearing for the Abdillas.