Woman accused of murdering her mother fails to attend court

A 20-year-old woman accused of murdering her mother failed to attend court after she was taken to Mater Dei Hospital from the Detox Centre in Pieta earlier today.

However, the court demanded the prosecution and the defence to find out the real reason for the woman's absence.

The youth, whose name is banned by the court stands charged with the murder of her mother. The case dates back to the early afternoon of 26 April 2008 when the youth was still a minor.

Prosecuting inspector Chris Pullicino informed the court that officers from Agenzija Appogg were summoned to explain why the youth was allowed to leave her YMCA residence and go to her mother's house while under a care order. The court decreed that the evidence by Appogg workers is given in camera.

The woman had stabbed her mother with a knife following an argument at the family's residence in Triq is-Sebuqa, San Gwann.

A friend of the minor had raised the alarm. The police went to Villa Samara and after their calls remained unanswered they gained access through the balcony.

The 47-year-old mother was found lying face down in a pool of blood, on a bed, inside a bedroom on the first floor.

The accused was arrested at around 6:30pm close to where the murder took place. The minor's former boyfriend was also charged with the woman's murder.

In prior sittings, the court heard how the late mother was herself a drug addict and consumed drugs while pregnant with the accused.

In a sitting held of 27 April 2012, the youth pleaded guilty to stealing mobile phone top-up cards and breaching bail conditions. She was handed a three-month jail term, and left prison later the same year.