Getaway driver Joseph Zammit today admitted in court that he knew of the planned heist when he agreed to drive three men – Richard Grech, James Vella and Chris Scerri from Floriana to San Gwann on September 18, 2000.  The three man are accused of the holdup which occurred on the same day, when BOV messenger Alfonso Ferrigi was murdered. 

Richard Grech, is serving life sentence after being found guilty of murdering Ferrigi.  After witnesses placed James Vella, known as il Frejzer, and Chris Scerri, known as Buttuni on the scene, the two were also charged with the crime.

As compilation of evidence against the two men continued in court , Joseph Zammit took the stand for the second time round to testify. Joseph Zammit is serving prison time for acting as an accomplice in the case. Zammit appeared uncomfortable testifying in court, repeatedly stating that he had already testified in court, and had nothing further to add. 

Pressed by the court, Zammit said that in the in the early hours of the morning in question, three man had shown up in his home in Floriana and asked him to drive a gateway car to San Gwann.  At first, Zammit refused. Pressed by Magistrate Demicoli on why he refused to drive them, Zammit said he knew of the planned heist at San Gwann, adding hastily that he was ‘framed’.

Testifying, Zammit admitted to later changing his mind, drove the men to San Gwann by using a red Mazda, and left, adding that he witnessed the three men getting into another black car. Zammit then drove to Birkirkara and parked his car, saying he was instructed by one of the three men to wait before he returns home.

Justin Fenech, former friend of convicted murderer Richard Grech, said that Grech had confessed to the hold up, however he never believed him, because he had a habit of stretching the truth. Grech told Fenech that he was never found guilty of the act. Furthermore, he told him that James Vella and Chris Scerri, had carried out the hold up with him. Asked whether he knew the two men, Fenech replied he never knew them.

Supposedly, the Mazda was owned by another man, George Debono, who yesterday confirmed he knew the accused, adding that he was approached by James Vella who asked him to borrow a rented, red, bubble-like Mazda car, adding that Vella had asked him to borrow the car to go out with his girlfriend. 

On the day agreed upon, Debono left the car near band club known as Tal Werqa in Qormi, leaving the car key under the seat.

Earlier, Inspector Keith Arnoud asked the court not to allow relatives in the courtroom because they were hindering testimonials, and had previously passed rude comments, with one of the relatives calling the inspector a cuckold (kurnut).  Magistrate Josette Demicoli instructed relatives not to pass any comments.

 

Magistrate Josette Demicoli presided. Inspector Keith Arnaud prosecuted, while lawyer Franco Debono represented the accused.

The case has been adjourned to 31 July.