Woman acquitted of attempting to bribe social workers during separation proceedings

A 42-year-old woman from Ghasri, has been cleared of attempting to bribe two social workers during separation proceedings in November and December 2010.

Maria Georgette Spiteri Gambin, was charged with attempting to bribe social workers Stephanie Muscat and Peter Paul Portelli, but the court, presided by Magistrate Neville Camilleri ruled that the charges were not sufficiently proven by the prosecution.

Prosecuting inspector Frank Anthony Tabone told the court that during the accused’s separation proceedings, Stephanie Muscat – a social worker appointed to oversee the father’s right of access to his three children- had claimed that the accused tried to bribe her “on more than one occasion.”

Muscat had claimed that the accused tried to bribe her on two occasions, and that despite rejecting her money, Spiteri Gambin nevertheless gave her €100 in cash.

Moreover, another social worker, Peter Paul Portelli, another social worker, claimed that the accused’s brother, Police Sergeant Eledon Spiteri, had called him and gave him an envelope which he said was from his sister.

Inside, Portelli found two €50 notes.

Rebutting the claims, Spiteri Gambin had insisted that she never gave any money to Stephanie Muscat. The accused also claimed that she had only paid Peter Paul Portelli to cover photocopy expenses.

In his decree, Magistrate Neville Camilleri said the prosecution failed to prove that the accused had in fact attempted to bribe the two social workers, and consequently acquitted her of the charges.

Lawyer Jason Grima represented the accused.