Murder suspect denied bail... again

The man who stands charged with the murder of a baron 18 years ago was yesterday again denied bail.

Carmel Camilleri, who stands charged with the murder of Baron Francis Sant Cassia on October 27, 1988, had his bail request denied on arraignment. He was later granted bail but was re-arrested following an application by the prosecution.

Another request for bail was made this week by the defence but the court, presided over by Magistrate Lawrence Quintano, yesterday decreed he should be remanded in custody for the time being as there was the possibility that evidence could be tampered with.

On Monday, the prosecution opposed a request for bail and asked the court to hear again the testimony of Angelo Muscat. Mr Muscat had already testified, but the prosecution said his testimony differed from three statements he had given to the police on different occasions.

The prosecution wants the court to hear Mr Muscat's testimony again so that the court would be able to assess his credibility with a view to declare him a hostile witness if he does not say the truth.

Police Superintendent Peter Paul Zammit and Police Inspector Christopher Pullicino are conducting the prosecution.

Lawyers Jason Azzopardi and Chris Busietta are defence counsel.