Man accused of attempting to kill brother-in-law spared trial
The victim filed an application asking the court to drop the case
Criminal proceedings against a man accused of attempting to kill his sister's husband in Paola have been discontinued, after the alleged victim asked the court to drop the case.
Robert Frendo had been facing four charges over an incident on February 20, 2024 at a property in Triq Lampuka.
He stood accused of the attempted voluntary homicide of Joseph Seychell and causing him grievous bodily harm with a weapon; carrying and using a weapon or imitation while committing an offence against the person; and of causing Seychelle to fear that violence would be used against him.
On Wednesday, Judge Neville Camilleri ordered the proceedings against Frendo to be halted and declared the case as closed.
Seychell himself had filed a court application in March under Article 543(e) of the Criminal Code. That provision allows an alleged victim of domestic violence to ask the court to stop proceedings against the accused.
The court retains the discretion to keep the case going if it is in the best interests of the complainant, any minors involved, or other relevant third parties.
Frendo is Seychell’s brother-in-law. He had been adopted at age 10 by the mother of Seychell’s wife, Carmen, and grew up as part of the family.
After his adoptive mother’s death, he lived with Carmen and Joseph Seychell for 10 years.
The application describes Frendo as having become a full part of the household, who had even helped raise the couple’s children.
On this basis, the application argues that the charges fell within the scope of offences that could be treated as domestic violence.
The Office of the Attorney General and Frendo both filed replies on March 20. The court subsequently heard Seychell give evidence under oath on his reasons for seeking the discontinuation.
He told the court that no one had induced, threatened or forced him into that position.
In its final oral submissions, the Attorney General said the state was leaving the matter entirely to the court's discretion.
The court found that the charges against Frendo fell within the terms of the Criminal Code clause and upheld Seychell's request, ordering the proceedings against him discontinued.
Lawyer Josette Sultana appeared for the defence.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Adreana Zammit appeared on the vicitm's behalf.