Former police inspector accused of complicity in four major hold-ups

He had described himself as capo dei capi

Updated 8.55 p.m.

Former Police Inspector David Gatt was accused in court today of complicity in last Friday's attempted hold-up on a jeweller in Attard; complicity in the attempted hold-up at the HSBC depot at the end of June; complicity in the attempted hold-up of a bank security van in Qormi in January; and complicity in the successful hold-up at Balzan HSBC branch in November 2007 when some €1m were stolen.

He was also charged with complicity in holding people against their will, helping people wanted by the police including Fabio Psaila, who is wanted in connection with last Friday's hold-up and Darren Debono and Vincent Muscat before they were arraigned over the attempted HSBC depot hold-up.

It was alleged that Dr Gatt helped Darren Debono seek medical help after he was allegedly shot and injured in the HSBC depot hold-up. He also allegedly hindered medical doctor John Zammit Montebello from cooperating with the police.

Dr Gatt was also accused of involvement in organised crime.

He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail. During argument on bail, prosecutor Inspector Joseph Mercieca pointed out that the accused had described himself as capo dei capi Toto Riina.

Former inspector Gatt was dismissed from the police force nine years ago on the basis of claims that he and another two officers were involved in criminal activity.

He became a lawyer after his dismissal from the police force.

Last month an appeals court ordered the reinstatement of the three officers after ruling that they were discharged unfairly. The court based its decision on the fact that the officers had not been told that there were procedures against them and therefore could not defend themselves.

Following the court verdict, the Police Commissioner and the government insisted on their decision, stressing that there had been valid grounds for the dismissal of the officers. The Commissioner asked the Public Service Commission to reconsider the case.

A court then upheld a request by Dr Gatt and issued a warrant of prohibitory injunction to stop the Commissioner from instituting fresh proceedings against him.

Dr Gatt recently represented Vincent Muscat, one of the persons accused of taking part in the attempted hold-up of the HSBC depot in Qormi. Mr Muscat was granted bail last month along with Darren Debono, who was re-arrested after the attempted hold-up on jeweller Michael Mizzi at Attard on Friday.

Dr Gatt was arrested yesterday afternoon at the law courts.

Former police inspector accused of complicity in four major hold-ups

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