A man yesterday alleged that his inability to have legal representation in a number of court cases was in violation of his fundamental human right to a fair hearing.

Alfred Joseph Baldacchino, in his personal capacity and on behalf of Westminster Securities Ltd and Regency Estates Ltd, filed his constitutional application in the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Attorney General.

He said he was involved in a number of cases concerning a number of shops and offices in the Regency House Complex, Valletta.

His lawyer was originally Philip Sciberras who, upon becoming a judge, had recommended another lawyer to Mr Baldacchino.

After some time, following a misunderstanding between the parties, Mr Baldacchino's new lawyer renounced to the cases, and billed Mr Baldacchino hefty legal fees.

Mr Baldacchino told the court that although he had paid part of these fees, he had refused to pay the balance and was unable to do so.

As a result, no other lawyer had accepted to assist Mr Baldacchino in his court cases, as his previous lawyer was refusing to release his files unless he was paid.

Mr Baldacchino submitted that his inability to have legal representation was in violation of his fundamental human right to a fair hearing and to provide him with a remedy including authorisation to appoint another lawyer.

Lawyers José Herrera and David Camilleri acted on behalf of Mr Baldacchino.