Verdict on drug trafficking case expected today

The verdict should be out today in the case of an Englishman charged with drug trafficking and who was exonerated by the main witness in the case last Monday.

The accused, Mark Stephens, had been extradited from Spain in 2005 to stand trial in Malta for conspiring to import three kilogrammes of cocaine and over 7,100 ecstasy pills before and in 2003.

A drug courier, Gregory Eyre, had originally testified that Mr Stephens was the supplier. He is serving a 15-year jail term after admitting to importing the drugs.

The man had already testified in court and identified Mr Stephens as his supplier but on Monday he changed his version and named a certain Andrew Woodhouse, saying he was also known as Mark Stephens.

Mr Eyre had arrived in Malta together with his girlfriend Susan Molynaeux in 2003 with five gift-wrapped packets in their luggage containing the drugs. Ms Molynaux was subsequently released.

Jurors heard Mr Stephens testify that he had nothing to do with the drugs and claimed that Mr Eyre had sent him a letter saying he would ruin him because he had slept with his former girlfriend.

The jurors are expected to retire to deliberate today.

Assistant Attorney General Lawyer Anthony Barbara prosecuted.

Lawyer Joe Brincat appeared for Mr Stephens.