GRTU ousts Sandro Chetcuti

Sandro Chetcuti, a contractor accused of the attempted murder of Vince Farrugia, has been expelled from the GRTU.

The decision was unanimously taken yesterday by the council of the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, following a sworn statement made by its director general Mr Farrugia in court last week, which was backed up by evidence from its president and council members. The GRTU said the assault on Mr Farrugia was "unprecedented" and should be condemned. Mr Chetcuti held an executive position, where he should have been setting an example.

Mr Chetcuti has pleaded not guilty to beating and trying to kill Mr Farrugia, seriously injuring him and threatening to kill him.

Mr Farrugia confirmed in court he had been assaulted after he received a text message sent from Mr Chetcuti's phone the day before intended for Labour leader Joseph Muscat. Mr Chetcuti confronted Mr Farrugia the next day claiming his phone had been "hijacked" but Mr Farrugia told him the issue had been discussed with the council and he was a persona non grata.

As the two got up to leave the room, Mr Chetcuti is alleged to have grabbed him by the neck and punch him in the face with such force that Mr Farrugia fell to the floor. Mr Chetcuti allegedly jumped on him and continued punching him rapidly as he lay in a foetal position.