Jan-Carl Farrugia, the son of GRTU director-general Vince Farrugia, and Philip Fenech, deputy director-general of the GRTU, were questioned in court this morning in connection with SMS exchanges they had with Mr Farrugia in the wake of his assault by Sandro Chetcuti last year.

The questioning was made by counsel to Mr Chetcuti, who stands charged with having injured Mr Farrugia.

Mr Farrugia confirmed that he he had received an SMS from his father asking him to conduct a search of pending criminal and civil cases against Mr Chetcuti.

Mr Farrugia was also asked whether he had contact with doctors Anthony Samuel and Conrad Borg, who treated his father. When he said that he didn't, counsel Emanuel Mallia noted that Dr Samuel had called him twice and also sent him an SMS. Mr Farrugia said the doctor had called about a bone scan performed on his father and also to ask for ID card details.  

Dr Mallia read to Mr Fenech an SMS which he said to Mr Farrugia and which said: "No you won't, I have the Commissioner on our side, he helped all the way. Called me about four times. The ACT told me they are very strong and credible, now I hope that the doctors' report is too. I will guide them what to be careful for when testifying and Manuel's ways. Leave it all to me. The police will be helping us. Lucky we have honest ones of the few left. I worked with them so I am home".

Mr Fenech said said the commissioner he was referring to was actually Assistant Commissioner Neville Aquilina who he was in contact with as he had taken the GRTU staff to the police to report the case.

Mr Fenech said he had coached the staff about their court appearance. Most members of staff had never testified in court before and they were traumatised by the case.