Updated: Accused admits 1989 murder

John A. Zammit

Oct 20th 2009, 14:40

I thank Mr. Calleja for his comment and I feel that I must comment again as a lot of bloggers who undounbtedly do not follow the criminal justice scene in Malta are commenting about the length of time for this case to come to trial. In 2004 the Police succeeded to make a certain person from Gharghur to make a 'qrara generali' and besides to this murder he also gave information to the Police about the murder of Baron Sant. Casssia which took place even before. As a result of this information the Police charged a man from Mosta. The trial of this man is due in the near future. The time that passes from the commission of a crime and the time that it is judged is regulated in law by what is known as prescription which is expected to be abone of contention in the forthcoing trial of the person from Mosta. So adverse comments about the long time that passed since the commission of these crimes and the time of the trial are absolutely out of place to say the least.

Victor Laiviera

Oct 20th 2009, 14:38

My comments were not about the time it took the police to solve cases. I realise that is difficult and takes time.

My comments were about the time it takes from arraignment - when the police will already have gathered rhe evidence - to the trial.

In this case it was 6 years. There have been cases when it took longer.

I think it is far too long.

reno calleja

Oct 20th 2009, 00:59

hats off to Mr. John A Zammit for his objective and intelligent comment. I cannot understand why some of your readers are always attacking the police. Even in other countries we hear of murder cases being solved after many years. I think the police should be commended that they solved this case, even after 2O years. There many other murders that remain unsolved Take for example the case of Karen Grech who on Xmas more than 3O years ago, was blown to pieces by bomb sent in a parcel to kill her father.

I am sure her parents would be grateful if even after so many years this brutal the brutal killer or killers will face justice.

I still remember the solemn promise made by the former Prime Minister Dr. Fenech Adami before he won the l987 elections that he will bring the killers of Karen Grech to justice. He never did.

John A. Zammit

Oct 19th 2009, 16:11

There are times when the police, although aware who the prepetrator of a crime is, do not take him to court owing to lack of concrete evidence to guard against double jeopardy. Then when concrete evidence is collected they charge the person concerned. Needless to say in some cases this may take some years to happen. I understand that this case falls into this category. This is not a case of justice delayed justice denied. For those of you who are interested to know in 2004 the Police made a break through and sloved ont only this murder but if I remember correctly two or three others. The merit of all this goes to Inspector Pullicino. Well done inspector.

J.Tonna

Oct 19th 2009, 11:35

@ J. Farrugia & V. Laiviera - Many times it takes years for the police to establish the facts before they bring suspects before the courts.

A. Saliba

Oct 19th 2009, 10:41

The reason it took 20 years is because the case was only solved a few years ago. Read the facts before posting!

J Farrugia

Oct 19th 2009, 10:11

@ V Laiviera - Has it occurred to you that this man was arrested just 6 years ago, even though the case occurred some 20 years ago? Don't you read the papers?

J. Schembri

Oct 19th 2009, 10:05

Mr Vella :It is worth noting that this was a 'Cold case'. There are what police call unsolved cases.

Victor Laiviera

Oct 19th 2009, 09:53

I am not being sarcastic, or trying to make any point.

But could someone please explain why it takes so long for anyone to be brought to trial in Malta? This is far from being an isolated case.

Apart from the unfairness to the victims and/or their families (and the accused, should he/she be proved innocent) it also means that the deterrant effect of any punishment would be largely lost.

Noel Cutajar

Oct 19th 2009, 09:50

@ Ernest Vella - if you do not know the facts do not post anything...quite simple.

Ernest Vella

Oct 19th 2009, 09:44

20 years for justice - Viva l-Gustizzja