Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano ordered the re-arrest of a man yesterday, after hearing that he had breached his bail conditions and had possibly left Malta illegally.

Vincent Philip Bajada, 28, is facing criminal proceedings for having lived totally or partially off the earnings of prostitution and for having organised a brothel in guesthouses in St Julian’s and Sliema.

The court heard Senior Counsel to the Republic Mark Said say that Mr Bajada was meant to sign at Qawra police station and appear for the proceedings.

Handing down his judgement, Mr Justice De Gaetano said the last time the man signed at the police station was on 15 April and he has not appeared in court since then. He said it seems that Mr Bajada left Malta illegally because he cannot be traced.

Mr Justice De Gaetano ordered the man’s re-arrest. As a result, the police are expected to issue an international arrest warrant for Mr Bajada to be returned to Malta to face justice.

Since he has breached his bail conditions, Mr Bajada has also lost the Lm20,000 personal guarantee.

The prosecution team is made up of Superintendent Alexandra Mamo and Inspectors Raymond Aquilina and Louise Calleja.