A court has appointed a radiologist to look into conflicting reports regarding the injuries sustained by GRTU director-general Vince Farrugia when he was beaten up at the GRTU premises in March last year.

Property developer and former GRTU council member Sandro Chetcuti, 38, of Marsascala, stands charged with the attempted murder of Mr Farrugia. The compilation of evidence continued yesterday, with the attorney general requesting that consultant radiologist Anthony Samuel be asked to explain the result of Mr Farrugia’s three phase bone scan in more detail, particularly since the medical examination was carried out 11 days after the incident.

But the defence objected, arguing that Dr Samuel cannot testify again since he is not a court appointed expert, but a witness of the prosecution and parte civile. Dr Samuel had given an extensive testimony last July.

The attorney general will be asked to explain why Dr Samuel needs to be called to testify again during the next sitting.

Meanwhile, radiologist Malcolm Crockford was appointed to look into Dr Samuel’s and Dr Mario Scerri’s medical reports, which were conflicting.

Dr Scerri had said the GRTU director-general’s ribs had not been fractured, as Dr Samuel had reported. As a result, said Dr Scerri, the injuries he sustained were slight. Moreover, he said such injuries may also have been caused by a strong cough.

The defence had accused Dr Samuel of blowing the matter out of proportion, claiming he had close ties with Mr Farrugia’s family. But the consultant radiologist had denied that he tampered with the medical results and said everything was well documented.

Mr Chetcuti stands charged with attempted murder and having caused Mr Farrugia serious injuries, as well as assaulting him and threatening him.