Freddie Fenech's case to be heard by another magistrate

Freddie Fenech, the founder of the Association for Abandoned Animals, turned up in court for the first sitting yesterday to face charges of fraud, but the magistrate asked for the case to be reassigned because of her conflict of interest.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit declared a conflict of interest as she had previously been the lawyer representing the AAA volunteers who made the allegations against Mr Fenech in April last year.

Five of his helpers, who for years kept silent for fear nobody would believe them, filed a police report against the man who for many was the champion of stray animals.

The volunteers alleged they were unable to account for the donations made directly to Mr Fenech, who is a former CID officer, and remained in the dark as to where the money went. They also accused him of causing cruelty to animals and making threats.

They were so afraid to file the report that they were even offered police protection at the request of Animal Welfare Department director Mario Spiteri.

The helpers only plucked up the courage to come forward after department director Mario Spiteri promised his assistance.

A police report by former volunteers was also made in 2004 and they had corroborated what was said by these volunteers. They recalled very similar circumstances during the time they were still active at the sanctuary.

Mr Fenech has always denied the allegations.

The case will now be reassigned to another magistrate by the Court Registrar. The appointed magistrate will fix a new date for the case to start.