Social worker testifies about old man who was beaten up

A Gozitan social worker yesterday told a court how a septuagenarian admitted he was beaten up and had not been allowed to keep an appointment with the Department of Family and Social Welfare.

Peter Paul Portelli told Magistrate Paul Coppini that he had found this out when he eventually spoke to Giuseppe Farrugia, 72, after making inquiries on behalf of Farrugia's family, who had been concerned over his poor state of health.

He testified before Magistrate Paul Coppini in the compilation of evidence against Benny Attard, 44, of Xaghra, who is pleading not guilty to holding Farrugia against his will for more than 20 days, trying to seriously injure him and slightly injuring him on and before July 9.

Attard is also charged with the possession of a firearm without a licence and firing the gun in an inhabited area.

Portelli yesterday explained how Farrugia's relatives got in touch with him last June and told him they were worried about him because he had been seen with bruises.

They reported that he was living with a certain Benny Attard and his sister Maria at 25, Church Street, Xaghra.

The department sent a letter to Farrugia asking him to meet a social worker but Farrugia did not keep the appointment.

His relatives again contacted the department and were advised to contact the police.

In the meantime, a second letter was sent to him, to which again there was no reply.

Portelli said that on July 9, PS Teddy Bajada informed him that Farrugia's relatives had filed a police report and that Farrugia had been taken to the police station for questioning.

Portelli confirmed he had been asked to speak to Farrugia at the Victoria police station. He spoke to him in the presence of Inspector Maurice Curmi and Farrugia insisted he had sustained injuries when he fell down the stairs and that he wanted to go back to Xaghra.

Portelli said Farrugia appeared very pale and tired and shook as he spoke in a barely audible voice.

He also had several bruises on his face and arms and was admitted to the Gozo General Hospital for medical attention.

The next day Farrugia admitted the bruises had been caused by Benny Attard and that he did not want to return to Xaghra.

He told him that he wished to go and live with his relatives when released from hospital.

Magistrate Coppini yesterday also heard ballistics expert Brigadier Maurice Calleja testify that the revolver taken from Attard's house was home-made and in working condition.

The magistrate ordered an on-site inquiry in Church Street, Xaghra, after the prosecution requested that the expert examine several gunshot marks found by the police on the door of a house belonging to Reginald Grech of Mosta and allegedly fired from the same gun.

Magistrate Coppini yesterday also denied Attard bail but ordered that he be taken to hospital and kept there until he was discharged by the health authorities.

Police Inspector Anglu Caruana prosecuted.

Dr Mario Scerri appeared for the defendant.