Architect seeks legal advice before testifying

An architect yesterday chose to seek legal advice before testifying in a court case against the owner of a block of flats in Żebbuġ where a three-year-old boy fell to his death in a shaft last year.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke warned architect Philip Mifsud, who happens to be a Nationalist MP, that since he was responsible for the building he could choose not to testify as he might incriminate himself.

The owner of the building, Francis Mamo, 53, of Naxxar, a director of Oman Construction Ltd, is pleading not guilty to the involuntary homicide of Gabriel Agius on April 16. Mr Mifsud said Mr Mamo was a long-standing client of his and confirmed that he was the architect of the building where the boy had died. He said he would like to seek legal advice before testifying.

In the last hearing, the boy's mother, Vanessa Agius, told the court she had to investigate a water leak that had penetrated the ceiling of her garage, located beneath the block of apartments on the lower level. Accompanied by her son, she followed the sound of the leaking water when the boy suddenly disappeared and she heard a thud. The boy fell a height of one storey and died shortly afterwards.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Tony Cachia prosecuted.

Lawyer Paul Lia appeared for Mr Mamo. Lawyer Charmaine Cherrett appeared parte civile.