An Algerian migrant whose life was reportedly saved by a soldier now accused of the murder of another migrant, told a court this morning how the victim had been acting strangely on the fateful day.
Gunner Clive Cuschieri and Sgt Mark Anthony Dimech stand accused of causing the death of Malian migrant Mamadou Kamara, 32, who was allegedly assaulted in a Detention Service van on the night of June 29.
Sergeant Dimech had previously rescued migrant Madou Avadi from a burning building.
Taking the witness stand, Mr Avadi, who is serving time in prison, said that in June he lived at Safi barracks.
He had seen Mr Kamara causing problems and 'acting as if he was crazy' to the extent that he was taken to a health centre.
When he was brought back he had arguments with a group of other migrants and they asked for him to be removed.
The Malians were shouting that he was causing problems and had broken a door. Sergeant Dimech tried to calm things down. At one time, Mr Kamara head-butted a soldier and managed to escape.
Replying to questions, Mr Avadi confirmed that Sgt Dimech had once saved his by carrying him out of a burning building. He was hospitalised for smoke inhalation.