Gozitan Priestcharged Withmolestation Tobe Kept Incustody Untilvictims Testify

Malta Independent
August 28, 2014

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-08-28/news/court-to-decide-whether-gozitan-priest-charged-with-molestation-should-have-bail-cut-short-6370983936/


A court ruled this morning that the Gozitan priest charged with molesting minor girls is to be kept in custody until the victims testify. The Gozo Court had ruled that the priest was to be released on bail, but this decision has been reversed - the priest would be granted bail only when the testimonies are heard.

The Police and AG had contested the initial ruling that the priest, Jesmond Gauci, was granted bail by a Gozitan court.

A number of submissions were made by the prosecuting team and the defence team of the accused during this morning's sitting.

Lawyers Kristina Debattista and Philip Galea Farrugia from the AG’s office argued that it was not correct that the priest was granted bail when the procedures are still in their early stages.

They argued that never before has a person been granted bail so soon before the victims’ testimonies are heard, especially in a case where the victims are minors and vulnerable,

The court upheld the AG's request, meaning that until the victims give their testimony, the bail has been suspended.