The acting prison director yesterday explained the procedure followed in relation to former chief justice Noel Arrigo, who has been sentenced to jail in connection with bribery. The acting director was referring to various media reports about Dr Arrigo.

He said that when he arrived at Corradino Correctional Facility, Dr Arrigo was examined by the prison doctor who found him suffering from “a number of conditions” and referred him to the psychiatric unit at Mount Carmel Hospital in Attard.

At Mt Carmel he was re-examined by the duty Senior Houseman who confirmed and certified again and ordered that the prisoner be held under constant medical attention. As a result Dr Arrigo is being detained temporarily at Mt Carmel Hospital’s forensic section until his condition is certified as stable.

The Justice and Home Affairs Ministry was contacted for additional comment but declined to elaborate further.