Jury to Stay: Court Rejects Defence’s Bid in Attempted Murder Trial

In the heart of Valletta, the historic Auberge de Castille, now home to the Office of the Prime Minister, has been witness to a different kind of drama this week. The courtroom inside this 16th-century building was the stage for a legal battle over the fate of a jury in an attempted murder trial. The defence team’s bid to dissolve the jury was met with a resounding ‘no’ from the bench, ensuring that the trial will proceed with a jury of 12.

Defence’s Plea: Why the Bid to Dissolve the Jury?

The defence team, led by veteran lawyer Dr. Joseph Giglio, argued that the jury had been tainted by prejudicial information. They pointed to media coverage and public discussions about the case, claiming that the potential jurors had been exposed to information that could bias their decision. The defence team also alleged that some jurors had expressed concerns about their safety, given the high-profile nature of the case.

However, the prosecution, led by Senior Counsel Dr. Martha Fenech, countered that the defence’s claims were unfounded. She argued that the jurors had been carefully selected and screened to ensure their impartiality. She also pointed out that the court had taken steps to protect the jurors’ safety, including providing them with secure transportation and a guarded jury room.

Judge’s Ruling: A Jury of 12 Will Proceed

After hearing both sides, the judge, Mr. Justice Joseph Zammit Maempel, rejected the defence’s bid to dissolve the jury. He commended the jurors for their commitment and bravery in the face of potential challenges. The judge also praised the court’s security measures, stating that they were adequate to ensure the safety of the jurors and the fairness of the trial.

The judge’s ruling means that the trial will proceed with a jury of 12, as originally intended. The defence has the right to appeal the ruling, but for now, the trial will continue as scheduled, with the first witnesses set to take the stand next week.

What’s Next in the Attempted Murder Trial?

The attempted murder trial, which has captivated the Maltese public, is expected to last several weeks. The prosecution will call a series of witnesses, including the alleged victim, who is expected to testify about the night of the incident. The defence, meanwhile, has hinted that they may call expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.

The trial is set to resume next Monday at the Criminal Court in Valletta, with the jurors expected to hear from the first witnesses. The public is reminded that the trial is open to the public, although space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. The trial will also be streamed live on the judiciary’s website, allowing the public to follow the proceedings from the comfort of their homes.

As the trial continues, the eyes of the nation will be on the Auberge de Castille, waiting to see what unfolds in this high-stakes legal drama.