An internal inquiry report into the death of an elderly patient who choked on a piece of chicken at Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital was exhibited in court yesterday after it was initially thought it had been lost.

Magistrate Anthony Vella was annoyed when former government chief medical officer, Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, said at the last sitting that the report could not be found.

The new CGMO, Joseph Vella Baldacchino, informed her she had saidthat the file containing the outcome of the inquiry was missing. But, some time later, the hospital management issued a statement saying the report had been placed “in a safe place”.

The contents of the report, which was submitted in a sealed envelope, were not disclosed.

The report was presented in court during the compilation of evidence against chief nurse Maria Bondin, 57, from Paola, nursing aide Carol Bonnici, 55, from Siġġiewi, and nurse David Sant, 30, from Għargħur.

They stand charged with the involuntary homicide of John Darmanin, who was found dead in a hospital lavatory on March 7, 2012, after he went missing from his room.

An autopsy report indicated that Mr Darmanin died after choking on a piece of chicken, despite hospital staff having been prohibited from giving him solid food. He was given CPR for almost 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

All three accused deny the charges.

The case continues.

Police inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi is prosecuting.

Lawyers Lucio Sciriha, Steve Tonna Lowell and Kris Scicluna are appearing for the defence.

Lawyer Stefano Filletti appeared parte civile for the Darmanin family.