Mother admits torching front door of daughter’s foster parents

A 29-year-old mother was today remanded in custody after pleading guilty to torching the front door of her daughter’s foster parents.

Josianne Grech, of Birkirkara, admitted to being an accomplice in the arson and to using violence to discourage the foster family from adopting her daughter. She also admitted to causing some €2,500 in damage.

The incident occurred on 19 July at around 4:40pm on Antonio Sammut Street, Gzira, when the child’s foster parents and passers-by noticed that the front door had been set on fire, before being extinguished by fire-fighters.

Sources close to the investigation said the accused’s daughter was currently under a care order, and under foster care pending adoption proceedings.

It is understood that Grech – who in the past is said to have threatened Appogg social workers – took exception at the foster care, and consequently set out to torch their front door.

Moreover, informed sources explained that two weeks prior to the incident, one of the victims found two of his vehicle tyres slashed while it was parked outside.

Taking into account the accused’s guilty plea, Magistrate Carol Peralta found Grech guilty of the charges and ordered that a probation officer compiles a pre-sentencing report.

Consequently, sentencing would be handed at a later date.

Police inspectors Jason Francis Sultana and Saviour Baldacchino prosecuted.