Lawyer warns adverse media coverage will harm prosecution case in Maksar, Caruana Galizia trials

A cache of registered, legal weapons and large amounts of cash were found at the home of Robert Agius, one of the Maksar brothers, the court hearing the compilation of evidence heard on Wednesday.

A procession of police witnesses testified as the compilation of evidence against the men accused of the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop and supplying the bomb which killed Daphne Caruana Galizia continued before Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo.

Brothers Adrian and Robert Agius, known as Tal-Maksar, and their associates Jamie Vella and George Degiorgio stand charged with involvement in the murders of lawyer Carmel Chircop and of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Robert Agius and Jamie Vella are charged with supplying the bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017.

Officers gave detailed accounts of how the Agius brothers and Vella were arrested and gave details of the subsequent searches of their vehicles and houses. Mobile phones, SIM cards, starter packs, large amounts of cash and, in Robert Agius’ case, a Luger revolver and ammunition, registered to his partner.

Other police officers described the scene of devastation following the explosion which took the life of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Lawyer William Cuschieri complained about the fact that his client was being made to sit through the same evidence heard in the Caruana Galizia murder compilation, adding that the adverse media coverage will harm the prosecution case when both cases come before a jury. The case continues on May 11. Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo is presiding.

Lawyers Alfred Abela and Rene Darmanin are defence counsel to the Agius brothers. Lawyer William Cuschieri is appearing for George Degiorgio.

Lawyer George Camilleri is representing the Attorney General in the proceedings, while Superintendent Keith Arnaud and Inspectors Shawn Pawney and Wayne Camilleri are prosecuting.