The trial by jury of Carmen and Stephanie Butler is expected to come to a close today after Mr Justice Giannino Caruana Demajo is expected to finish addressing the panel of jurors today.

Carmen Butler, 43, and her 22-year-old daughter, Stephanie Butler, a chambermaid, have been charged with money laundering. The police had started investigating the chambermaid after e57,500 (Lm24,000) was discovered in her bank account.

The police had also discovered another bank account in the chambermaid’s name, totalling e27,000 (Lm12,000) after just five deposits.

The trial revolved primarily around the illicit activities of Charles Butler, the husband and father of the defendants. He is currently serving a jail sentence in Italy after he was caught smuggling immigrants to Sicily.

On Wednesday, Carmen Butler explained how she deposited money in her daughter’s bank account, which funds were given to her by her husband. However, she never dared ask where the money had come from, as she was afraid of him.

Yesterday, Assistant Attorney General Aaron Bugeja and defence counsel Anglu Farrugia rested their case after which, Mr Justice Caruana Demajo started addressing the jury.

The Butlers are also being represented by Dr Edward Gatt.