Airport Chaplain Denies Defiling Boys, Performing Sexual Acts with Minors; Denied Bail

Malta Independent
October 16, 2015

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-10-14/local-news/Airport-chaplain-denies-defiling-boys-performing-in-sexual-acts-with-minors-6736143605


A 44-year-old priest today was charged with defiling three boys, participating in sexual acts with minors and being in possession of child pornography.

Fr Donald Bellizzi, who is the airport chaplain, denied the charges and was remanded in custody

The priest, who lives in a Rabat convent, was arraigned before Magistrate Josette Demicoli. The court heard how he allegedly defiled the children between 2010 and 2013. The alleged victims are now between 18 and 19 years old.

Inspector Joseph Busuttil said the children were entrusted in his care and attended a vocation group. Five boys attended the group but only three made complaints about him.

Lawyer Giannella de Marco, appearing for the accused, said Fr Bellizzi was strongly contesting the charges being brought against him. Dr de Marco made a request for bail but the prosecution objected, arguing about the vulnerability of the witnesses. The alleged victims, they said, all lived in the vicinity of Rabat and there were other witnesses who were priests living at the same convent.

Dr de Marco said her client was prepared to move out of the convent to live with his parents in Gzira until the case was heard. The prosecution however objected, saying that until last week Fr Bellizzi was speaking to the family of one of the youths. The prosecution said the priest had sent a number of text messages to the mother asking why they had suddenly stopped speaking to him. His sister had also sent similar messages.

The defence lawyer argued that the alleged case happened between two and four years ago and the priest had not tampered with evidence during that time. He had also cooperated fully with the police.

Magistrate Demicoli turned down the request for bail in view of the possibility of tampering with the prosecution's evidence. The court upheld a request by the prosecution to ban the publication of the victims’ names.

Is also upheld a request by the defence to ban the publication of the convent’s name but turned down a request for a ban on the publication of the priest’s name. Dr de Marco had argued that what the court had heard so far were simply allegations that had not been proven. The case would tarnish her client’s reputation. She also noted that Fr Bellizzi’s parents were both elderly and not in a good state of health.

The alleged perpetrator was investigated by the Church's Safeguarding Commission and referred to the police. Inspectors Joseph Busuttil and John Spiteri prosecuted.

In a statement, the Church Commission for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults confirmed that this case was forwarded to the police to investigate. While upholding the presumption of innocence, and irrespective of the outcome of the Court case, action was taken, without prejudice, to safeguard all parties. This was done in consultation with the Provincial of the respective Religious Order.