Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536520
2 COURT maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 18 JUNE 2025 2 Chaos in court as Sliema murder accused claims human rights breach ONE of the co-accused in the Sliema double murder trial erupted in protest again on Tuesday, demanding a post- ponement on the grounds that he lacked his preferred legal representation and that his current lawyer had insufficient time to prepare his defence. Presiding over the trial, Madam Justice Natasha Galea Sciberras allowed the ac- cused, Daniel Muka, to re-enter Court- room 22 after he had been ordered to follow proceedings remotely the day be- fore due to security concerns. Address- ing him directly, the judge warned Muka that his presence in court would be con- ditional on his maintaining appropriate courtroom behavior, stating that any misconduct would result in his immedi- ate removal. Shortly after proceedings began, the court heard testimony from the Direc- tor of Prisons, Chris Siegersma, regard- ing Muka's behavior earlier in the day. Siegersma testified that Muka had ini- tially refused to attend court, claiming he lacked legal representation and wished to follow proceedings from prison. Ac- cording to Siegersma, Muka threatened to "cause total chaos" if forced to appear in person. However, he was ultimately brought to court without incident. Tensions escalated when lawyer Mario Mifsud, recently appointed by Muka to replace his previous legal aid counsel Josette Sultana, filed a constitutional application. Mifsud argued that the ac- cused had not been granted adequate time to prepare his defence and request- ed a short adjournment of the jury pro- ceedings. The prosecution, led by Maria Francesca Spiteri from the Office of the Attorney General, objected. The court, after considering the request, rejected the application. In response, Mifsud withdrew from the case, prompting a furious outburst from Muka. "It is my right to choose my lawyer. You cannot suspend it for a few hours? Galea Sciberras responded that Muka still had legal representation through Josette Sultana. But Muka defiantly re- jected her involvement, raising his voice again: "I do not want her here. You're not giving me my human rights." The judge then ordered Muka to be removed from the courtroom. As he was escorted out, he continued to pro- test loudly: "This is a breach of human rights!" JAELLE BORG jborg@mediatoday.com.mt Scott Dixon filed medical certificates dated 30 February to justify not signing bail book BOXER Scott Dixon filed medical certifi- cates for 29 and 30 February, dates which do not exist, to justify not signing a bail book. Assistant Police Commissioner Den- nis Theuma testified Dixon had failed to report regularly to the police station as required by his bail conditions. Dix- on had been granted bail in connection with a 2009 cannabis-related case. His bail terms included a €15,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of €25,000, along with an obligation to sign at the police station regularly. Criminal proceedings against former boxing champion Scott Dixon, 48, and psychiatrist Dr Mark Xuereb, 53, con- tinued on Monday. Both stand accused of falsifying medical certificates and making use of forged documents, and both have pleaded not guilty. Theuma told the court upon check- ing Dixon's bail book, no medical cer- tificates were found to justify Dixon's absence. Dixon had claimed the doc- uments were submitted, alleging that officers at the St Julian's police station had misplaced them. Theuma told the court he informed the Attorney General's Office that Dix- on had not been fulfilling his reporting obligations, and a request was made for his re-arrest. Eventually, Dixon submitted a number of medical certificates, including two dated 29 and 30 February 2023, dates which do not exist, it was not a leap year. These certificates were presented in April 2024, raising further questions about their validity. Under cross-examination, it was re- vealed the police never directly request- ed the certificates from Dixon. The de- fence argued Dixon had been under the care of Mark Xuereb, a licensed psychi- atrist. Theuma confirmed that Xuereb is a medical professional authorised to issue such documentation, but said no investigation was carried out into the nature of their relationship. A police constable stationed at St Ju- lian's also testified, saying Dixon had handed him eight medical certificates in total. According to the constable, Dixon claimed he had initially submit- ted them but was later informed they were missing, prompting him to resub- mit them the following year. The prosecution is being led by In- spector Darryl Farrugia. Mark Xuereb is represented by lawyer Matthew Xuereb, while Scott Dixon is being defended by a legal team compris- ing of Franco Debono, Michael Sciriha, Roberto Spiteri, and Adreana Zammit. The case is ongoing. Daniel Muka (left) being escorted to court (File photo) Scott Dixon (File photo)