A man accused of killing cats in Sliema should receive appropriate psychological treatment when the court considers any eventual penalty, his lawyers told the court on Thursday.

Proceedings against Okurama Satoshi resumed after a Court of Appeal overturned a previous two-year prison sentence and ordered the case to be reheard by the Court of Magistrates due to procedural shortcomings.

During the sitting, the defence argued that the charges currently facing Satoshi are not properly framed, a factor which should weigh heavily when the court determines any punishment. His lawyers maintained that Satoshi has a limited level of understanding and was not aware he was being arrested by a police officer at the time of his apprehension.

The defence further submitted that the case should be assessed within a restorative justice framework, arguing that imprisonment alone would not address the underlying issues where an accused person suffers from psychological difficulties. They pointed to a history of behavioural issues linked to cruelty towards animals, contending that a reformative approach would be more appropriate than a purely punitive one.

Satoshi's lawyers also referred to an alleged abusive past which, they argued, has never been adequately addressed. They warned that failure to treat these root causes would result in an unfair outcome when compared to similar cases. The court was told that the accused has no prior criminal record and that, while the law distinguishes between first-time and repeat offenders, the maximum custodial sentence remains the same. The defence noted that it is uncommon for a first-time offender in such cases to receive an effective prison term.

Reference was made to a pre-sentencing report indicating the presence of psychological problems, which the defence said underscored the need for tailored treatment. They added that courts have so far failed to fully address the necessity of psychological care in comparable cases, despite professional assessments confirming that Satoshi requires mental health support.

According to the defence, a treatment order in isolation would be insufficient unless accompanied by a form of punishment that can be adapted to the specific circumstances of the case.

The prosecution stated it had no additional submissions and stood by its earlier arguments presented during the sitting of 14 October.

The case is scheduled to continue on 26 February. Satoshi is being assisted by defence lawyers Andreana Zammit and Marion Camilleri. Inspector Eliot Magri is prosecuting, and the case is being presided over by Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi.