Son of man charged with attempted murder of his children testifies behind closed doors

The son of a Sicilian man who is accused of the attempted murder of his two children testified in court behind closed doors on Tuesday.

During a sitting before Magistrate Franco Agius, the accused’s 12-year-old son gave evidence regarding the case.

The boy had been found with multiple head injuries inside a room covered in blood following the incident. He was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where doctors certified that he had suffered life-threatening injuries.

The court ordered that the minor’s testimony be heard behind closed doors in order to safeguard his identity and protect his interests. During a previous sitting, the accused’s 10-year-old daughter also testified in the absence of the media.

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Earlier in the proceedings, forensic expert Edward Cherubino confirmed under cross-examination that the accused had been examined and spoken to by the psychiatrist who was on call on the day of his arrest.

The prosecution is being led by Inspectors Kurt Zahra together with lawyers Etienne Savona, Kaylie Bonett and Anthony Vella.

The accused is being represented by lawyers Gianella De Marco, Charles Mercieca and Conrad Borg Manche, while lawyers Maxilene Pace and Charmaine Cherrett are appearing as parte civile.