Fr Charles Fenech cleared of libel suit filed against him, case is time-barred

Malta Independent
March 25, 2015

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-03-25/local-news/Fr-Charles-Fenech-cleared-of-libel-case-filed-against-him-6736132742

The Dominican priest charged with the sexual abuse of a 42-year-old woman, Fr Charles Fenech, has been cleared of criminal libel filed against him by Edgar Bonnici Cachia, a male friend of the alleged victim of Fr Fenech.

Mr Bonnici Cachia had filed the case against Fr Fenech, claiming that the priest had told the alleged victim to inform the ecclesiastical authorities that she was forced to file a report against him by Bonnici Cachia, back in February 2012. 

The libel case was filed in May 2013 and Fr Fenech was notified in July 2014.

The court noted that Bonnici Cachia brought forward no proof that substantiates the argument and that the alleged victim's testimony does not indicate that she was forced to make such statements against the Dominican priest.

The prosecution argued that the case should proceed, however the defence counsel argued that applications need to be filed within three months of the allegation and in this case over two years had passed. 

Magistrate Francesco Depasquele ruled the case time-barred, clearing Fr Fenech of the libel.

Lawyers Micheal and Lucio Schriha and Franco Galea represented Fr Fenech while Noel Bianco appeared for Mr Bonnici Cachia.

Proceedings against Fr Charles Fenech in the sexual abuse case are ongoing.