Married couple accused of running brothel in Gzira remanded in custody

A husband and wife duo were this morning remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to running a brothel, of living off the earnings of prostitution, and of loitering.

The court heard how the accused, Theresa Cutajar, 60, and her husband Elmleti Mohamed Saad, 25 both live in Testaferrata Street in Ta’ Xbiex. They stand accused of using their home as a brothel.

Prosecuting inspector Jason Francis Sultana told the court that the police had received reports from the landlord of the property in Testaferrata Street, who informed the police that the his tenants were using the property as a brothel.

Inspector Sultana also said that these claims were “confirmed” by Spiridiona Caruana, a 47-year-old woman who last week admitted to running a brothel and prostituting women in Gzira.

“Last week, she [Caruana] admitted to working for the accused, and told the police that the accused’s home was being used as a brothel. Moreover, two other prostitutes confirmed that they were working there,” the inspector said.

The prosecution also said that after receiving reports, the police searched the accused’s home.

“Inside the residence, a large bag containing condoms, baby wipes, female clothing, and other sexual paraphernalia were discovered during the search,” the inspector told the court.

In disputing the accused’s arrest, defence lawyer Jason Azzopardi took exception at the police’s decision to arrest Cutajar, who during court proceedings was crying, and Saad, arguing that there is no fear of absconding. Moreover, Azzopardi told the court that the police’s suspicions are not justified.

The defence also claimed that a “man well known to the police and who is involved in the running of brothels” threatened the accused, and also claimed that this man employs a prostitute expected to testify against the accused.

In its judgment, presiding Magistrate Marseann Farrugia dismissed the defence’s plea, arguing that given the seriousness of the crimes, the arrest is justified.

Meanwhile in submissions for bail, Azzopardi argued that Cutajar has several health problems, and that she is taking care of a 12-year-old boy whom she had adopted after having found him abandoned in Testaferrata Street at only a month old.

On his part, Inspector Jason Francis Sultana insisted that the accused should be remanded in custody as otherwise, the witnesses’ testimony could be influenced. In its decree, the court upheld the prosecution’s plea and remanded the accused in custody.

Inspector Jason Francis Sultana prosecuted, while Lawyer Jason Azzopardi was defence counsel.