Kurt Bugeja Coster
Acid victim partially blinded
'Acid also contained oil'
The man who was doused with acid by a mysterious motorcyclist while waiting to sell his car earlier this month has suffered partial loss of vision in one eye.
Francis Scerri, 59, a headmaster in a private school, was rushed to hospital with chemical burns to his face on December 8. Passers-by heard him crying out in pain from his parked car in Transfiguration Avenue, Lija.
Following the incident he had been complaining that he could not see properly but doctors were waiting to see whether or not the condition was temporary. It has now been confirmed that he has permanently lost some of the vision in his right eye because of corneal abrasions, according to sources close to the police investigation.
He has undergone plastic surgery to parts of his face which were disfigured by the acid.
It is understood that Mr Scerri had agreed to meet an anonymous caller who had expressed interest in buying his car, which was up for sale.
Police investigators now believe this was likely to have been a set-up.
Mr Scerri had told the police that he drove to the meeting place next to the Belvedere Tower, where he sat waiting in his car. Suddenly, a motorcyclist drove by and threw acid at him through the car's window.
However, he did not recognise his aggressor because he was wearing a helmet.
Mr Scerri was initially reported to live in Nadur, as his ID card carries this address, but he actually resides in Għargħur. He is the headmaster at St Michael's Senior School in San Ġwann and sits on the council of the Private Schools Association.
Formerly known as Brother Geoffrey, he previously taught at De La Salle College in Vittoriosa and Stella Maris College in Gżira.
Meanwhile, an examination of the acid used established it also contained oil. It is thought this was probably heated shortly before the attack.
A number of people have been questioned and several motives investigated, including revenge. No arrests have been made so far.
11 Comments
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Joe Fenech
Dec 31st 2009, 23:56
Francis is a noble man who always performed his job with fairness and professionalism and always stamped on issues. Anyone who knows recent events knows the cause of this attack.
A.F.Ellul
Dec 30th 2009, 18:17
No one of you knows the GOD's Bible,That's why the world is in peril,because the heads have put GOD on the shelv , and creating quantity of laws but never obey the law of GOD and then predent mercy from the deliguent.Waite and see.The disaster has always started,when you relatives comes victims of the criminals,then go to pray infront of GOD for help.TOO LATE.
Miguel Micallef
Dec 30th 2009, 14:03
What if my 'GOD BIBLE' says something different from your 'GOD BIBLE'? What if mine says that they should be locked up instead of killed by the sword?
I hope you are getting the drift here... god needs to be left out of these issues since its an imaginary concept at best. Better tackle these serious issues with real, concrete action that does something than waste time referring to our god's will to destroy everything in sight.
A.F.Ellul
Dec 30th 2009, 11:23
The law of the state is to protect the deliquent.The law of GOD is to protect the innocent/good people.It is important to read and understand the GOD Bible.Those who use the sword for plessure must die by the sword.
Miguel Micallef
Dec 30th 2009, 10:04
@AF Ellul
How will we decide WHICH god's law to apply in this case? Wouldn't it be better if we applied the state laws? :)
A.F.Ellul
Dec 30th 2009, 09:02
We are hearing too much of abbusing of killing or put in danger.Such as drugs pushers,bombs traps and now acids,these are all killing attempts ,once the killer is cuptured and found guildy ,then the law put him in gail and have dinner paid by my money,These type of deliguent people must be prosecuted (By the law of GOD.)
marthese mussett
Dec 29th 2009, 19:52
Revenge for what?
Nicolette Camilleri
Dec 29th 2009, 18:33
May 2010 be a better year for you. It hurts so much to hear about this evil deed to a person who has given so much to students. You taught us by your good example. I'll never forget how you gave your time and loving care to a fellow student who has passed away, and how you were always there to help anyone in need. Even in keeping discipline, you had a great way with us and after telling us off for not studying hard enough you would still make us laugh. We loved our sixth form days and so much of it was thanks to you. When you are suffering, remember that there are hundreds of persons who might not have kept active contact with you, but will always care.
Fabian Mangion
Dec 29th 2009, 18:24
I join Mr Abela and Mr Farrugia in wishing you a speady recovery and a prosperous new year. I fully agree with Mr Farrugia in saying that in your life you have done alot of good work especially towards the formation of youn adults. So do not let this horrible act discourage you. Do not lose heart!!
Franco Farrugia
Dec 29th 2009, 17:55
Like Kevin, I wish you all the best for the New Year. Be courageous and get through this - life is beautiful and you have to put this bad - horrible - experience behind you and get on with life.You have done a lot of good work already in your life - find solace in that. An educator is like a parent: the good things that you do will not be tarnished. Courage and do not lose heart.
Kevin Abela
Dec 29th 2009, 16:24
Wish you a good, speedy recovery and despite all, I hope that the joy of Christmas and the start of a New Year, have helped you in a small way to forget this cowardly act. Get well soon, keep up the good work and my best wishes to you.