Notary Joseph Tabone yesterday testified in the case against Maria Grazzja Cassar, from Zejtun. The woman is being charged with fraud and theft.

Dr Tabone told the court that he knew of a secret will in which Mrs Darmanin left everything to Alexander Manche, a nurse who used to take care of her.

The accused was Mrs Darmanin's original heir, before this will was drawn up. According to research made by a notary employed by Mr Manche and Carmen Camilleri, his mother-in-law, the secret will had indeed been drawn up and the date of its publication was published in newspapers.

Ms Cassar also employed a notary to research the case and he concluded there was no secret will.

Mr Tabone said the accused withdrew Lm42,000 from a bank account between 18 and 24 December 2003. The notary told the court he later received a letter from the accused’s lawyers claiming she was Mrs Darmanin’s rightful heir. He explained that he could not take any action before the secret will was opened and new research carried out.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti presided over the court. Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted and Dr Giannella Caruana Curran appeared for the defence.