Natalie Williams, the woman who was found in a cave in Ricasoli in October, will not testify in proceedings against her husband for the moment after a psychiatrist informed the court that she is currently unfit to do so. However, following doubts raised by the defence, the psychiatrist has been asked to appear in court to explain his findings.

Nathalie Williams.

The woman, 46, had been reported missing for several days before being found in the cave without food or water.

Her husband, Roddy Swinton Williams, 37, Seychelles-born and residing at Fgura, stands charged with having placed her life in manifest jeopardy, violently engaging in sexual acts with her, holding her against her will, harassing her and causing her to fear violence. He also stands charged of being in possession of heroin, slightly injuring his wife and threatening policemen.

Mrs Williams was due to testify today.

The magistrate questioned the psychiatrist's two-line report. She said she was not comfortable with it and wanted to hear the psychiatrist's testimony. 

During the last sitting, Mr William’s defence had strongly objected to a medical certificate issued by a general practitioner attesting that the woman was suffering from anxiety attacks and was therefore unfit to take the witness stand.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit had agreed to order an examination by a psychiatrist.

After the psychiatrist's report was presented today, the defence again voiced their doubt. 

“It is not that she cannot but rather does not want to testify,” lawyer Marion Camilleri argued, adding that since her ordeal, the victim had filed separation proceedings against the accused and had even paid a visit to court to file the relative application for separation under oath.

Moreover, Dr Camilleri said, Mr Williams was asking for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issue of the first certificate by the general practitioner, Dr Stephen Spiteri.

Inspector Josric Mifsud said he had personally spoken to the psychiatrist who had declared that it would not be opportune for the woman to testify at this stage owing to her present condition.

Lawyer Ludvic Caruana, appearing parte civile, further observed that being declared currently unfit did not mean that his client was interdicted or rather unfit to perform civil acts.

READ: Woman found in cave was thrown down stairs, raped, threatened, court told

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In November, the court was told that the woman had stayed in the cave out of fear of what her estranged husband and alleged captor would do to her if she escaped.

It was claimed that Roddy Williams allegedly shoved his wife down stairs and into the sea, forced her through a maze of tunnels, kept her in a dark chamber and raped her twice during a three-day ordeal.

Later in Monday's sitting, a police sergeant, who had been among the rescue party who had discovered Mrs Williams lying unconscious in the underground cave, testified how the place was pitch dark, dirty and lacking oxygen.

Two police officers had been led by Mr Williams to the underground spot, in the labyrinth-like passageways beneath Fort Ricasoli where Mrs Williams was found lying unconscious on a blue blanket. Next to her there was a suitcase and a handbag.

The woman, who showed signs of life since she was still breathing, was carried outside and taken away in an ambulance, while her alleged captor was taken for further questioning at the Cospicua police station.

The same police sergeant explained how on that day, the police had received a report of a violent argument at Kalkara.

Converging to the site, the police had found a young man, Owen Vella, allegedly Nathalie Williams’ son, pinning down a dark complexioned man whose feet were tied with a rope.

The latter turned out to be Roddy Williams who had blood on his face and a blow on his left eye. Mr Williams resisted police arrest, calling out “I will kill you” and arguing that he had suffered the aggression at the hands of his wife’s son.

Mr Vella, on the contrary, told the police that Mr Williams had  walked up to him when he went out to walk his dog and had asked him for his mother. A scuffle broke out and eventually Mr Vella had tied up Mr Williams with a rope thrown out by a neighbour.

Later, when questioned by the police whether his wife was alive and safe, Mr Williams had allegedly replied “Of course she’s alive! She’s my wife.”

The case continues.

Inspectors Josric Mifsud and Paula Ciantar prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Yanika Vidal were defence counsel.

Lawyers Ludvic Caruana and Janice Borg appeared parte civile.