Suspect in GRTU office attack allowed to travel abroad

Sandro Chetcuti, who stands charged with the attempted murder of the director-general of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, Vince Farrugia, has been granted permission to travel to Europe.

Mr Chetcuti's defence counsel made two requests, the first for his curfew to be extended and the second for him to go on a business trip.

The court had previously granted Mr Chetcuti bail with one of the conditions being that he is indoors between midnight and 6 a.m.

Magistrate Edwina Grima refused the first request but allowed the second on condition that the accused inform the prosecuting officer before leaving the island and on arrival. Moreover, if he wanted to travel outside Europe, he was to file a court application.

Mr Chetcuti, a former GRTU council member, stands charged with the attempted murder of Mr Farrugia, whom he allegedly attacked in a fit of rage on March 11. The two had an argument in the victim's office in Valletta and Mr Chetcuti allegedly beat 65-year-old Mr Farrugia to the ground while threatening to kill him.

The case continues.