Councillor testifies on advice to mayor over electricity job

A Vittoriosa councillor yesterday told a court how he had advised the mayor it was best to abide by government procedures when told about a job to upgrade the electricity system.

Oscar Adami was testifying before Magistrate Anthony Vella in the compilation of evidence against Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall, 50, who is pleading not guilty to stealing Lm190 worth of electricity from the Vittoriosa local council, situated in Couvre Porte, between August and November last year.

He is also pleading not guilty to supplying a restaurant with electricity from the service box at the council and accepting payment for the electricity supplied.

Mr Adami explained how, during a council meeting, Mr Boxall had switched off a tape recorder and, speaking off the record, had said he wanted to introduce a three-phase electricity system and suggested paying a man Lm200 for the works.

On hearing this, Mr Adami said he had told Mr Boxall he disagreed with this plan and advised him that nothing ought to be done unless it abided by government policy.

Polcie Inspector Alfred Mallia is prosecuting.

Lawyer Chris Cardona appeared for Mr Boxall.