Security camera footage has been presented in court showing the moment a father allegedly tampered with his children’s fast food by adding sleeping pills shortly before an alleged violent attack.
The 46-year-old Italian man, whose identity is protected by court order, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of his 10-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son.
According to the prosecution, the incident unfolded after the father took the children bowling and later to eat at a fast-food outlet in St Julian’s. The alleged attack is said to have occurred at the abandoned White Rocks complex in Pembroke.
During Friday’s sitting, a court-appointed expert described CCTV footage showing the man sitting alone at an outdoor table with the food tray while his children remained seated inside the restaurant. The expert testified that the man appeared to “do something” with the food before the children joined him outside. The children later complained that their food tasted unusual.
The court had previously heard that the accused admitted to police that he had added sleeping pills to the meals.
Roughly 30 minutes after leaving the restaurant, the man reportedly used Google Translate on his phone to compose a message stating: “Today I was threatened to death [name]. I can’t take it anymore. Thanks [wife]. Your fault. I’m taking [son] with me.” This message was subsequently posted on his Facebook profile.
The boy was later found at the White Rocks site, leaning against a low wall with serious head injuries and bleeding. His sister managed to escape and flagged down a passing motorist on Coast Road, reportedly telling her: “My father killed my brother.”
Police body camera footage shown in court captured the girl visibly distressed at the St Julian’s police station as officers attempted to comfort her.
The girl is to testify in court but her testimony will be heard behind closed doors.
The accused was located after a three-day search operation. He was found injured and hiding in an abandoned caravan in the area.
Evidence extracted from the man’s mobile phone pointed to a strained relationship with the children’s mother, including exchanges described in court as aggressive. Additional messages suggested tension linked to a third party reportedly involved with the woman.
Magistrate Franco Agius, who is overseeing the compilation of evidence, ruled that the young girl will testify behind closed doors. Her testimony will not be made public.
Lawyers for the Attorney General Anthony Vella, Kaylie Bonett and Etienne Savona are prosecuting the case, assisted by police inspectors Kurt Zahra Colombo and Christian Xuereb.
Lawyers Giannella De Marco and Charles Mercieca are defence counsel.
Lawyers Maxilene Pace and Charmaine Cherett are appearing on the wife’s behalf.
