Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547166
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE BE EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE & DESIGN TRADEMARK REGISTER YOUR BEFORE YOU MAKE IT PUBLIC IL-GVERN TA' MALTA ·½ĊėþĤࢫn{§§࣒H̷̽ࢷࢫ§࣒½ėþöþŧ ĤࢫöþÌtHėėࢫĊėþėHt4 Azzopardi told police he killed parents, pleads not guilty his reported excessive drug use. By the afternoon of 16 October, police were informed that his con- dition had stabilised and that he had begun eating. The inspector visited him again and explained his legal rights, but Cassar continued to decline legal assistance. On Saturday morning, police were informed that Cassar would be discharged from hospital. Med- ical documentation was presented confirming that he was fit to un- dergo questioning and appear in court. During his interrogation, Cassar was again informed of the reasons for his arrest and confirmed that he understood them. Nine criminal charges According to the charge sheet presented in court, Cassar is ac- cused of the wilful homicide of his mother, Mary Grace Cassar, and the attempted murder of his father, John Cassar. He is separately accused of caus- ing grievous bodily harm to his fa- ther through the use of a weapon or sharp instrument. Other charg- es concern violence against his ex wife and threats made through electronic communications against two other people. He is also accused of insulting or threatening others, possessing heroin without the required au- thorisation, committing offences while subject to a probation order, and breaching a restraining order. The probation and restraining orders referred to in the charges stem from a sentence delivered on 12 May 2026. Accused refuses to enter plea personally Cassar appeared visibly exhaust- ed throughout the court sitting, at times closing his eyes and appear- ing to doze off while the inspector gave his account. When formally asked whether he understood the charges against him, Cassar replied clearly, "Yes." However, he appeared hesitant when answering questions about his personal details, initially giving an incorrect age before being cor- rected by the inspector. He also paused before confirm- ing that he lived in Siġġiewi and told the court that he was self-em- ployed. When asked about his parents and whether they were still alive, Cassar initially replied that they were alive before adding, "I choose not to answer." Asked whether he was pleading guilty or not guilty, he replied, "I'm not going to answer that." His defence lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The legal- ity of the arrest was not contested, and no request for bail was made. The prosecution requested a protection order in favour of four people, including his father which the court granted. Cassar was remanded in custo- dy. The prosecution is being led by Inspectors Colin Sheldon and Kurt Colombo Zahra, assisted by Kaylie Bonett from the Office of the Attorney General.The ac- cused is being represented by legal aid. Borg/MaltaToday)