The court presided by Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo has found sufficient prima facie evidence for former EU Commissioner John Dalli to stand trial.

John Dalli was charged with trading in influence and bribery in connection with the snus scandal, an issue that dates back to 2012 when he was an EU Commissioner. He has pleaded not guilty.

The criminal case against John Dalli continued on Friday, and the court concluded that there was enough prima facie evidence to place Dalli under a Bill of indictment.

Former Police Commissioner Michael Cassar testified for the first time. In October 2012 he was summoned by then Police Commissioner John Rizzo. After reviewing the report sent by OLAF, several people were questioned, he said. The audio tapes of the recordings were passed onto the courts. Cassar spoke of details which had been mentioned in the OLAF report, and walked through certain events which had previously already been reported before stepping off the stand.

Charles Saliba, from British American Tobacco (BAT) Malta, also testified. Saliba said he had met Dalli once, but couldn't recall the date. He said he had been instructed by the Head Office to meet Dalli at a hotel in Gozo, and said that during the meeting they discussed various types of snus.

Saliba said it took place in Gozo as that is where Dalli was.

The magistrate gave a warning to Dalli who looked frustrated with the questions that were being asked. The case was adjourned to 30 March.