Gozo Minister Anton Refalo in October attended part of a meeting which officials at his ministry had with a whistleblower who made 'works for votes' allegations but left as the whistleblower started listing works done at private properties.
More evidence in the case against Anthony Debono, husband of former Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, is being heard this morning in the Gozo court.
Mr Debono, himself a ministry official, faces 13 charges including misuse of public funds. The central allegation, by whistleblower Joe Cauchi, is that he commissioned works in private properties.
Gozo Ministry Permanent Secretary John Borg was the first on the stand this morning. He said that following a Malta Today story on March 8 he decided to take action immediately. After alerting the Principal Permanent Secretary, the police were alerted and on the same day the police sealed a number of offices at the Gozo Ministry.
Mr Borg said that he and Joe Portelli, Director of works, had a meeting with Mr Cauchi on October 17. Gozo Minister Anton Refalo was also present. Mr Cauchi told them he was owed money - some €50,000 - for works. Three quarters of the works were on private properties as well as the government farm in Gozo and roads. Mr Cauchi had also said that the accused every now and then used to issue false invoices which he would then present to the ministry.
When Mr Cauchi started listing the works, the minister walked out saying he did want to remain at the meeting.
Mr Cauchi was warned that he may be incriminating himself, and he said he was seeking 'protection'.
Mr Borg, said he initially he tried to verify the facts and sought advice with the whistleblower office at the Justice Ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister.
The witness said he was not acquainted with the accused.
The second witness, Mario Calleja director of operations at the Gozo Ministry spoke about the work of the Construction and Maintenance Unit, headed by Mr Debono. Its remit included maintenance of rubble walls and road resurfacing.
The sitting was later suspended as the prosecution had no further witnesses.
When it briefly resumed, the court decided that there was enough evidence to put Mr Debono under a bill of indictment.
The case was put off for July 7 at 9am.