Fingerprint insufficient to nail burglary suspect
Fingerprints lifted off a toiletry box was deemed insufficient to prove the suspected involvement of a man in a Birkirkara burglary.
Roderick Gerada, the prime suspect in a burglary case that took place nine years ago, was charged with breaking into the residence of an elderly couple on 22 June 2008 at around 5pm. At the time of the incident, the elderly couple were having dinner at a relative’s house, while their daughter happened to be in hospital.
On returning to their home, the couple were shocked to find that someone had broken in and made off with objects and cash with a value of around €20,000.
Investigating officers lifted a number of fingerprints around the house, including off a toiletry box found in the main bedroom, which matched the accused’s right-hand index finger.
The accused refused to testify in court and chose to stick to the statement he had given to the police, insisting that he had no involvement whatsoever in the burglary.
Despite reporting a positive match between the fingerprint samples, the court presided over by Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona, noted how according to the forensic unit, the prints had a “certain degree of contradiction.” The magistrate ruled that the court could not find the man guilty beyond reasonable doubt based on a single fingerprint.
The court ruled that Gerada was not guilty on the grounds of insufficient evidence, cleared him of all charges.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia appeared for the accused.