A court has ordered the separation of proceedings for auditor Christopher Spiteri and audit clerk Jonathan Vella, both charged in connection with the Vitals Global Healthcare inquiry.

The decision was taken during the ongoing compilation of evidence against the disgraced former Prime Minister, former minister Konrad Mizzi and former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, who form part of the group of 14 persons and nine companies facing criminal charges. 

Among the charges are corruption, fraud, conspiracy and money laundering, in connection with the sale of three state hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare. 

During Thursday's sitting, the court decreed that the cases against Christopher Spiteri and Jonathan Vella should be severed from the main group of defendants. Spiteri, who acted as an auditor for several companies involved in the hospitals' deal, and Vella, who worked under him, will now see their cases heard independently.

Spiteri has recently stepped down from his role due to "personal reasons."

IT expert Martin Bajada took the stand to provide an update on the digital data extracted during the investigation. Bajada informed the court that the extractions he was tasked to carry out have not yet been completed. However, he stated that the final lot of data is expected to be ready by the next scheduled sitting.

The court also addressed the status of Jeremy Harbinson, an expert whose role has been a point of contention for the defence, whereby the prosecution confirmed that the Attorney General's position regarding the revocation of Harbinson's confirmation as an expert remains unchanged. 

The case was deferred to 7 May at noon. 

Magistrate Lara Lanfranco presided over the sitting. 

The prosecution was led by AG lawyers Francesco Refalo, Shelby Aquilina and Rebekah Gatt, assisted by Inspector Wayne Rodney Borg.