Dominic Cutajar, who was appointed by the court to draw up a damage report on the paintings after they were recovered by police from a Birkirkara garage and flat, was testifying in the case against Ian Farrugia.

Farrugia, 30, is accused of stealing the works of art – 28 paintings including one attributed to Caravaggio, one drawing and an engraving, damaging private

property, handling stolen goods and relapsing in view of previous convictions.

Mr Cutajar explained that four of the works hidden behind a false wall in the garage had been wrapped in a sheet. Dew had inevitably gathered and caused the paintings to develop mould, he said. The works had also been scratched due to rough handling.

During the cross-examination, defence attorney Edward Gatt asked the witness whether he had been asked to give an estimate of the value of the works stolen. Mr Cutajar said that although the court had not appointed him to carry out such an estimate, he chose to make one anyway. He did admit that the value he attributed to the works is debatable due to the fact that the collection covers a wide period of art history.

Theresa Vella, the art curator of Heritage Malta, also testified at yesterday’s sitting. She explained that when the works were recovered, Heritage Malta was asked to conserve the paintings in a safe and suitable environment.

She said the works carry various levels of value – for example, intrinsic and historic. It is not just the quality of the painting that is important but also the historic value that they might have in a particular country, she explained.

The case continues.

Another man, Joseph Portelli, is also charged with involvement in the theft. At the last sitting, he admitted receiving stolen goods, but continued to deny actually stealing the paintings.