Defence Bid to Dissolve Jury in Attempted Murder Trial Rejected
In a packed courtroom at the Law Courts in Valletta, a defence lawyer’s bid to dissolve the jury in an attempted murder trial was met with a resounding ‘No’ from the judge. The unusual move, which would have seen the case decided by a judge alone, was swiftly dismissed, leaving the jury to continue their deliberations.
The Unusual Defence Manoeuvre
The defence lawyer, representing a man accused of attempting to murder his estranged wife in a violent incident in Birkirkara last year, argued that the jury could not be impartial due to extensive media coverage of the case. However, Mr Justice Joseph Zammit declined the application, stating that the jury had given no indication of bias and that they were capable of making a fair decision.
The Case So Far
The trial has been ongoing for several weeks, with witnesses including neighbours who heard the commotion on that fateful night in Triq il-Kbira, Birkirkara. The prosecution has presented evidence suggesting that the defendant, armed with a knife, attacked his wife, leaving her with serious injuries. The defence, however, has argued that the attack was a result of self-defence following a prolonged period of domestic abuse.
The Road Ahead
The jury is expected to begin their deliberations in the coming days. If found guilty, the defendant faces a significant prison sentence. The case has shone a spotlight on the often-hidden issue of domestic violence in Malta, with local NGOs using the trial to raise awareness and encourage victims to seek help.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please contact Dar tal-Providenza on 179 or the Women’s Rights Foundation on 21232231.
