Former Malta Philarmonic Orchestra CEO Sigmund Mifsud was denied permission to testify again in proceedings related to a sexual harassment case within the orchestra.

He is charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of power and obstruction of justice in connection with the case.

During Tuesday's sitting, the defence requested Mifsud be allowed to take the witness stand again in order to clarify aspects of his relationship with the alleged victim, as well as his relationship with a former male employee who had admitted to harassing the same woman and was subsequently found guilty.

The request was jointly opposed by both the prosecution and the parte civile, who argued that Mifsud had already testified in earlier proceedings, had been cross-examined extensively, and that other defence witnesses had also testified after him.

In its decree, the court noted the issues which the accused now wished to address had already been dealt with during previous sittings.

It further held that the accused could not be allowed to testify again to respond to matters that may have emerged from evidence given after his earlier testimony.

The court also observed that such a course of action was not permissible at law and therefore rejected the defence request.

Two other witnesses were due to testify but failed to appear in court.

With no further evidence to be presented by the defence, the case was adjourned for submissions to 18 May at 10:45am.

The prosecution was led by Inspectors Kevin Pulis and Gabriel Micallef. Mifsud is being represented by lawyers Edward Gatt, Mark Vassallo, and Shaun Zammit. Lawyer Roberto Spiteri appeared parte civile.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the case.