Erin Tanti case: St James Hospital worker couriered two packages from prison

A St James Hospital worker testifying in the Erin Tanti unauthorised medically assisted procreation case has said he twice couriered a package from prison to the Sliema hospital.

Raymond Agius, who has been working for St James Hospital for the past 10 years, took the stand in criminal proceedings against convicted murderer Erin Tanti, his partner, Marisa Gallo, and doctor Josie Muscat.

The trio are charged with carrying out unauthorised medically assisted procreation after Tanti impregnated his partner while in prison. They are pleading not guilty.

Agius agreed to testify after the prosecution declared that no criminal action would be taken against him. He explained his designation is “estate facilitator”, and that he carries out various errands. After recognising Muscat in the dock, Agius explained he was instructed by the doctor to pick up a package from Corradino Correctional Facility.

The first time he went, it was on a Saturday morning. He drove to the facility using a company car, knocked on the door, and informed staff he was there to collect a package. A second person emerged shortly afterwards and handed over the package, a white sealed bag. Agius said he could not see its contents.

He then drove to St James Capua Hospital in Sliema and left the package in the reception, telling them: “There’s this, Josie sent it”.

The second time, he drove to the prison using his own personal car, picked up a second sealed bag and took it to the Sliema hospital, where he left it with the reception.

Agius explained that he did not ask for any details in connection with the packages, and neither did the staff in plainclothes at Corradino Correctional Facility ask him for details.

Defence lawyer Jason Azzopardi cross-examined the witness, with Agius confirming he had known Muscat for a decade and that they trusted each other. He added that he did countless errands for Muscat and never asked for much information.

Hope Fertility Malta lead consultant Christine Schembri Deguara also took the witness stand, explaining the police had spoken with her regarding a person of interest who had a consultation at the clinic with her.

The obstetrician and gynaecologist explained that Gallo had attended her clinic in October 2024, when an assessment of her chances of fertility was carried out. Schembri Deguara said she then informed the woman of her options, adding that specific details could not be given due to having no information about the woman’s partner.

Schembri Deguara underlined that only an individual assessment was made of Gallo, who only informed the witness that her partner was in prison at the time. However, the doctor was not told about the identity of Gallo’s partner and what he had been convicted of.

She then explained the process involved, including the carrying out of an independent psychological assessment, the authorisation required by the Embryo Protection Authority and the forms needing to be completed before treatment.

The case continues in December.

Magistrate Leonard Caruana presided.

Police inspectors Lydon Zammit and Stephen Gulia prosecuted.

Lawyers Jason Azzopardi, Joseph Bugeja and Nicolai Bugeja assisted Muscat.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Matthew Xuereb are assisting Tanti and Gallo.