An elderly couple braved a trip to court to vouch for their son who is currently requesting release from prison on bail pending criminal proceedings for misappropriation, fraud and falsification of documents.
Joseph and Maria Spiteri, aged 90 and 85 respectively, sat patiently side by side in the courtroom awaiting their turn to speak.
After procedural issues were dealt with, the frail couple were assisted onto the witness stand where they stood side by side under the watchful eyes of their son Patrick, a disbarred lawyer extradited to Malta to face criminal proceedings on charges of fraud of some €7 million.
“Patrick is requesting that you stand in for him,” said defence lawyer Stefano Filletti, addressing the accused's parents.
“What does that mean?” promptly quipped the father in a firm voice.
After explaining that should their son be released on bail and take up residence at their home, they would carry responsibility for any breach of bail conditions, Dr Filletti once again asked “Are you ready to accept him in your home?”
On the verge of tears, the old lady replied in the affirmative, going on to confess that their son was more than welcome at their home where there was ample space. “I haven't seen him for three years, only hearing his voice occasionally. I know that he will not break my heart,” continued the woman, hand on heart as she spoke.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Josette Demicoli, took note of a suggestion by the defence to hear final submissions on the request for bail once a medical report had been submitted by an expert. This court-appointed specialist is to examine the accused and report whether prison conditions are negatively impacting his health with a possible deterioration in his condition.
Read: Disgraced fraud case lawyer Patrick Spiteri is now too ill to face justice
In an earlier sitting, Dr Spiteri had testified how while abroad he had been diagnosed as suffering from Behcet’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes neurological damage, genital, throat and mouth ulcers and skin lesions.
The court had been told how the conditions at Corradino were placing an added risk upon his medical condition.
Also present for the sitting was one of the alleged victims of the fraud, Peter Clarke, who was assisted by Dr Clement Mifsud Bonnici.
The case continues.
Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Abdilla prosecuted. Lawyer Stefano Filletti was defence counsel.