A second independent witness has cast doubt on the medical findings of a radiologist who had examined the director general of the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU after he was allegedly attacked by a former colleague last year.
The criminal case against Sandro Chetcuti, a 38-year-old former GRTU council member charged with the attempted murder of Vince Farrugia at his office in March 2010, took a twist in March when the findings were first disputed.
Court appointed forensic pathologist, Mario Scerri had thrown into doubt the seriousness of the injuries sustained by Mr Farrugia and said that dislocated ribs were classified as slight and not grievous, contrary to what radiologist Anthony Samuel had previously testified. Even then, the injuries could have been caused by a bad cough, he said.
During yesterday’s sitting, a third court appointed expert, Malcolm Crockford, said X-rays showed no visible fractures. Furthermore, a three-phase bone scan showed that although there was an anatomical variation in the injured area it could have been caused by arthritis, inflammation and coughing, among other things. No direct link could be made between the injuries and the incident, he added.
The medical reports have significant, potentially pivotal weight on the case because the law specifically defines what can be classified as serious and slight injuries and, ultimately, what the accused could possibly be found guilty of.
In the last sitting, a second request for Dr Samuel to be heard again and elaborate on his conclusions was fiercely opposed by defence lawyers, who insisted it was not legally correct to do so. They said that only once Dr Crockford had testified could that decision be made.
Magistrate Edwina Grima had upheld the objection and also requested the Attorney General to specify the reason for wanting Dr Samuel to testify again.
The case continues.
Lawyers Emmanuel Mallia, Edward Gatt and Arthur Azzopardi appeared for Mr Chetcuti.
Lawyers Kris Busietta and Jean Carl Farrugia represented Mr Farrugia.