Inquiry into Josette Bickle’s death hindered by unclear CCTV camera images

Investigators who sought to look into deceased inmate Josette Bickle's last visitors, have reportedly discovered unclear images on the prison's CCTV camera system.

MaltaToday is reliably informed that none of the camera's captured any clear images of Josette Bickle's last visitors. The footage was reportedly so grainy and out of focus, that investigators could not see what happened during the inmate's last contact visit which was on Sunday.

The only record of this visit was found in a register, but investigators wanted to see the footage in a bid to determine how the visit proceeded and to determine any suspicious movements.

Outdated

According to a number of sources, the CCTV camera system failed to produce vital images needed by investigators, because the system is outdated, and their maintenance contract expired.

The sources reported that no investment has been made in updating the system for years, and the parts for failed cameras were being bought second hand.

Autopsy

While an autopsy on Bickle remained inconclusive, investigators will have to wait for toxicology tests to determine whether the inmate died of natural causes or otherwise, including the possibility of a heroin overdose.

A magisterial inquiry has ordered that an autopsy be carried out on the corpse of Bickle, 41 of Valletta, died early Tuesday morning at Mater Dei Hospital, after collapsing in her prison cell.

Natural causes?

Dubbed as the "queen of Corradino" for her influential hold on female prisoners at the Corradino Correctional Facility, probably died of a heart attack, however investigations are focused on whether she died of a heroin overdose.

Bickle was reportedly rushed to hospital shortly after 6am when she fell ill inside her cell, while inmates were preparing to be handed breakfast. She complained of palpitations and being short of breath.  She was reportedly administered CPR by prison staff until paramedics arrived with an ambulance and rushed her to Mater Dei Hospital, where she died soon after she was admitted into the emergency department.

Drug squad officials searched the cell which Bickle shared with another inmate. 

MaltaToday is reliably informed that the search yielded no evidence of any drug abuse, and sources said that investigations are still "half way" and results from toxicology tests will have to prove the cause of death.

Bickle was sharing her cell with another woman, Charmaine Vella, 41 of Żebbuġ who is serving a two year jail term for a string of handbag thefts in Sliema to support her drug habit.

Vella was interrogated at length by investigators, in a bid to establish facts related to Bickle's death, however medical sources said that unless toxicology tests prove otherwise, "it looks like Bickle may have died a natural death, possibly caused by many things, such as lack of excercise, a bad diet, or heavy smoking."

Jailed

Bickle had been sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined €23,000 last December, after she was found guilty by a jury of trafficking drugs in prison.

She was nailed by a number of witnesses, who had served jail time on her wing, who accused her of being the 'Queen of Corradino'.

Her trial led to controversy over alleged privileges she enjoyed in prison, with one witness stating that she had four television sets inside her cell.