Patrick Spiteri could be released from custody just days before Christmas.

Spiteri is a former lawyer who was disbarred and was charged with misappropriation of funds and fraud running into the millions. He was extradited to Malta, and has been fighting for bail since his original arrest, citing health reasons for being unable to remain in custody.

On 12 December, a Criminal court has granted lawyer Patrick Spiteri bail on the basis of his medical condition, ruling that he would be in an environment which keeps damage to his health at a minimum. But this did not mean that Spiteri was able to leave prison just yet, in view of the fact that this was only one of five cases that the disbarred lawyer is facing in court. However, taking into consideration other courts which have granted Spiteri bail, today's decree by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, who is presiding over one of the cases, could see him released on bail by Christmas Day.

Today's decision imposed bail against a deposit of €15,000, a personal guarantee of €25,000 and a curfew between 8pm and 8am, and an obligation to sign a bail book daily.