A man accused of three murders has found an opportunity to work as a security officer in a catering establishment but is calling on the court to change his bail conditions because they make him unemployable.
Jason Galea’s lawyer told the court that his client had found a job but was unable to take it on because of his bail conditions, which include being home by a certain time.
Lawyer Mario Spiteri was making submissions before Magistrate Josette Demicoli on an application filed before the court requesting an amendment to his bail conditions.
Moreover, he said, his client was unable to work as a security guard because he required a specific licence issued by the Police Commissioner.
The matter was raised during the compilation of evidence against Mr Galea and Ronald Urry, who stand charged with the murder of taxi driver Matthew Zahra back in August 2012.
Mr Zahra’s remains were unearthed next to the bodies of Mario Camilleri, known as L-Imnieħru, and his son Mario, in a field in Qajjenza, limits of Birżebbuġa.
Here we’re talking about the constitutional right to work. I believe my client ought to be given the opportunity to work
Dr Spiteri said his client had completed a course to be able to work and earn money to maintain his family. He had already found another job but was unable to take up the offer because the Attorney General had objected.
“Here we’re talking about the constitutional right to work. I believe my client ought to be given the opportunity to work,” Dr Spiteri insisted.
He pointed out that time was passing and the Galea family was still “suffering”. He appealed to the magistrate to keep in mind that the defendant had a family to support.
Police Inspector Chris Pullicino, who is prosecuting, said that for Mr Galea to have his bail conditions altered, the court had to be satisfied that the requisites at law were respected. While acknowledging that work was a constitutional right, the court ought to hear the testimony of the person offering the employment to see what kind of employment it was and what hours he would have to work.
Mr Pullicino said the police had not been informed of the identity of the employer and that this was necessary to ensure that there was no danger of tampering of evidence.
“I don’t want to be perceived as leaving the accused, who is still presumed innocent, with no income. However, on the other hand, while the defence has a duty towards the defendant, my duty is towards the victims’ families,” he said.
Magistrate Demicoli decreed that the employer ought to be summoned to testify on the job and hours of employment.
Earlier in yesterday’s sitting, court expert Bridgette Ellul testified on the outcome of the second autopsy carried out on Mario Camilleri Snr. She confirmed that the cause of death was a thrombosis in one of the arteries leading to the heart.
She said examinations of the victim’s head revealed no fresh gunshot wounds.