The older of two persons accused of usury was released on medical grounds today, while his son remains in prison. The two were accused on Christmas Eve of having demanded €220,000 from their long-suffering victim in repayment of a €7,500 loan.

Anthony Galea, 55, was granted bail while his son Gilbert remains in prison.

Inspector Priscilla Caruana Lee told the court how the police had found some €16,000 at the son’s residence. The man insisted that he had never lent money to anyone. Another €12,000 were found at the father’s residence, the Court was told.

A police sergeant testified that on 21 December, members of the Vice Squad had accompanied the alleged victim to file his report at the Valletta police station.

The man had been visibly very tense, anxious and afraid, apparently in a depressive state and rather reluctant to cooperate with the police.

The victim’s father also testified, telling the court how he had withdrawn €81,000 from his own bank account and handed the sum over to his son who was to pay some €78,000 to Gilbert Galea.

At the end of the sitting a request for bail, made in respect of Anthony Galea, was upheld by the court in view of the man’s apparent health problems.

Bail was granted against a deposit of €3,000 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.  

The court issued a Freezing Order upon the assets of the accused and a Protection Order in favour of the alleged victim.

Lawyer Alfred Abela also appeared as defence counsel.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Yanika Vidal appeared parte civile.