Police inspector Keith Arnaud today accused family members of the two men charged with killing a BOV bank messenger of trying to “subtly” intimidate witnesses by passing comments during their testimonies. At one point during proceedings, one of the accused called the Inspector a cuckold (Kurnut).

James Vella, 33, from Qormi  known as ‘Il-Frejzer’ and Chris Scerri, 35, from Pieta known as ‘Buttuni’ or ‘Gazzetti’ were charged with the murder of Alphonse Ferriggi in 2000 at the BOV branch in San Gwann. The case was reviewed by the police following the 2011 trial by jury of Richard Grech.

Inspector Arnaud said that if such intimidation is taking place in the courtroom, granting the two men bail would open up the possibility of them approaching witnesses.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono said it is only normal for emotions to be running high in such a case.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli denied bail.

Justin Fenech, a friend of Grech, who was jailed for life for the murder, told the Court that Grech had boasted about his role in the hold-up.

A few days after the hold-up, Grech told Fenech that two other people had accompanied him on the job. He said the two nicknames of the men (‘Il-Frejzer’ and ‘Buttuni’) were suggested to him by the police when he was questioned two years after the murder took place.

Fenech said he used to take whatever Grech said with a pinch of salt, because he was known to exaggerate things.