With reference to the article entitled ‘Judge’s comments on “partner” expert raises questions’ (August 10), this office would like to bring the following to the attention of readers.

The six cases in the names Police vs Usta Salih were appointed before the Criminal Court of Appeal for the first time on July 19, 2018. It was the accused who appealed, assisted by lawyer Joe Bonnici.

During this same sitting, Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera brought to the attention of the parties the issue about the expert who had been appointed by the Court of Magistrates and requested the parties to declare whether they had any objection for the case to be presided by her.

The parties declared they had no objection for the case to be presided by her. The parties made their oral pleadings and the case was put off for judgment on July 31, 2018. All six judgments were subsequently delivered on July 31, 2018.