Man who suffered meningitis 'can't tell right from wrong'

A man charged with misappropriation yesterday claimed that, as a direct result of meningitis he suffered as a child, he could not distinguish between right and wrong.

According to defence lawyer Etienne Calleja, the 47-year-old salesman is suicidal and his mental state would be badly affected were he not to be granted bail.

The accused is not being named to protect his identity.

Smartly dressed in a light blue double breasted suit, he pleaded not guilty to misappropriating some €3,000 from APA Import and Export last January.

During submissions on bail, Dr Calleja said his client had suffered from meningitis as a young child and, as a consequence of the treatment and of the virus itself, his body was not producing a certain chemical that allowed him to distinguish between right and wrong.

Medical experts could be produced to testify in this regard.

Police Inspector Ivan Cilia said the accused already had previous convictions and a pending case, all on similar charges.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000.