The sister of the woman who was threatened to be burnt alive today recounted in open court that she had overheard her young nephew’s terrified cries over the phone and the alleged aggressors’ voices in the background.
Chantelle Debono was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Alvin Pullicino, 26, employed in the film industry, and his cousin Gavin Spagnol, 21, ELC worker, currently facing charges, as perpetrator and accomplice respectively, of the attempted murder and arson of Michelle Camilleri, the young mother of two, on July 12.
While her sister sat close by in the courtroom, Ms Debono recalled how on that fateful evening, around 7pm, she had received a call from her sister suggesting an outing to the playground.
Yet just a while later, she got a second call from her sister and heard the woman’s panicked voice and her nephew shouting in the background “Leave Mummy alone!”
Amid the shouting, Ms Debono — who is the former partner of Mr Pullicino — could also make out the voices of both accused. There had allegedly been constant feuds which finally erupted in the violent episode wherein the two cousins attempted to set fire to Ms Camilleri in the presence of her nine-year old son.
Read: Woman recounts how man tried to burn her alive
The witness explained that she had rushed to her sister’s residence where she found her outside the house.
“Look what they’ve done to us!” cried the victim, upon catching sight of her sister, who recalled a strong stench of petrol at the site of the alleged arson attempt.
The woman said her sister had complained of a burning sensation and had showed her marks under her breasts. Under cross-examination, she also recalled having noticed a lighter and a black jerrycan cap in the front garden of her sister’s house.
Her brother-in-law, who was also outside the residence, had meanwhile called the police who turned up shortly after Ms Debono.
There had allegedly been constant feuds which finally erupted in the violent episode wherein the two cousins attempted to set fire to Ms Camilleri in the presence of her nine-year old son.
The witness further told the court how the following day she had paid a visit to the Żabbar police station to confirm rumours that only one of the suspects was being kept in custody. “I cannot keep him locked up inside a cage so as to protect you!” was the reply she allegedly got from the inspector who heard her complaint.
The court also heard that the victim’s nine-year old son was still receiving psychological treatment for the trauma and it was yet unclear when the child would be ready to testify by videoconference.
A fresh request for bail on behalf of Mr Spagnol was turned down by Magistrate Joseph Mifsud in view of the fact that the boy had not yet testified. Moreover, the magistrate declared that he would not shun his responsibility of protecting society at large. No request for bail was filed on behalf of Mr Pullicino.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were counsel to Mr Spagnol, while lawyer Arthur Azzopardi is counsel to Mr Pullicino. Lawyer Veronique Dalli is appearing parte civile for the victim.