Lawyer Patrick Valentino today alleged that his client Rita Forace, 53, was arrested after ‘pressure from Castille’ over a false report that she filed against Labour councillor Silvio Vella, who also works at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prosecuting Officer Inspector Sarah Magri said that the arrest took place in order to obtain a restraining order from the Court, as Forace and Vella live in the same street.

The woman claimed that she was robbed of her handbag by Vella.

The Prosecution said that this was clearly untrue, as at the time of the alleged crime, several witnesses placed Vella at a different location.

The Court, presided over by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, ruled that Forace’s arrest was justified.

Bail was granted on the condition that Forace does not leave the country or approach Vella.