During the proceedings, Cefai began making inflammatory remarks, including accusations against magistrate Joe Mifsud, Mario Mifsud’s brother, alleging that the magistrate had smuggled a bottle of whisky into Corradino Correctional Facility and consumed it with him.

Although officers in the courtroom attempted to de-escalate the situation, Cefai’s behaviour forced them to escort him out. He later requested to re-enter and issued an apology. However, once back inside, Cefai resumed his tirade, again shouting that the magistrate had brought alcohol into prison.

He then directed offensive insults at lawyer Mario Mifsud, calling him “barri” and further claimed their 86-year-old mother “prostitutes herself in Gżira.”

Barri referring to the english word cuckold – meaning the husband of an unfaithful wife.

The presiding magistrate attempted to intervene, but Cefai became increasingly aggressive, prompting the court to instruct the police inspector to open an investigation.

On Friday, Cefai was formally charged with several offences, including threatening and insulting magistrate Joe Mifsud, lawyer Mario Mifsud, and their mother, as well as disturbing public order and violating bail conditions imposed in January 2023. He pleaded not guilty but was granted bail during the sitting.

During the session, the prosecution highlighted that Cefai had already breached two previous sets of bail conditions. AG lawyer Daniel Vancell argued that the bail terms issued on Friday were insufficient, noting the accused had “threatened and insulted a magistrate, a lawyer and their mother.”

He stressed the prosecution’s belief that Cefai could not be trusted to comply with court conditions and pointed out the risk of evidence tampering, particularly as the case was still in its early stages and witnesses had not yet testified.

Lawyer Lennox Vella, appearing on behalf of magistrate Joe Mifsud, echoed these concerns, referencing a separate case in which Cefai had stabbed another man in court. “He was escorted out of the courtroom and brought in again. However, he did not behave and instead caused this ruckus,” Vella said. “He does not even know what a court order is!” He also stressed that the court’s own minutes documented civilian witnesses, including the presiding magistrate.

Cefai’s legal aid lawyer, Simon Micallef Stafrace, argued the incident should be considered in full context, calling it a straightforward collision case “that went out of hand.”

“I cannot understand how magistrate Joe Mifsud featured,” he said, questioning why Cefai’s remarks should derail the primary proceedings. He pointed out that most of the witnesses were court officials or police officers, saying, “if these are going to be influenced by him [Cefai] then we really hit rock bottom.” He maintained that there was no valid reason to revoke bail.

Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera sided with the prosecution and overturned the decision to grant bail. The court found that the Court of Magistrates had erred in its judgment, failing to take Cefai’s extensive criminal record into account.

Citing his history of offences, suspended sentences, fines, and prison terms, the judge ruled that Cefai could not be considered trustworthy at such an early stage in the case. The court concluded that he posed a real risk of obstructing justice and ordered his immediate re-arrest. Cefai was remanded in custody.

Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera presided.

AG lawyer Daniel Vancell prosecuted assisted by police inspector Keith Xerri.

Legal aid lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace assisted Cefai.

Lawyer Lennox Vella appeared for Magistrate Joe Mifsud.

Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared for lawyer Mario Mifsud.

Photo credits to ONE News