Accused murderer and rapist Abner Aquilina has been moved to the forensic division of Corradino Correctional Facilities (CCF) because he threatened a nurse for not bringing him female nurses and harassed a female nurse.

Mount Carmel CEO Stephanie Xuereb testified in Court that Paulina Dembska’s murderer was harassing nurses during the compilation of evidence against the defendant.

Although the forensic division is physically located inside the Attard Hospital, it is run by prison authorities.

Xuereb confirmed that this is the first time that Mount Carmel opened a court procedure to stop a patient from receiving care from the hospital.

Defence Lawyer Mario Mifsud, while making it clear that he was not asking for special privileges for Aquilina, reminded Xuereb that it was the court itself that asked for Aquilina to be taken to Mount Carmel for care.

He asked if he was moved because of the gravity of his alleged offenses.

“I am just saying that he should be cared for in Mount Carmel’s facility,” insisted the lawyer.

Xuereb replied that the procedure was opened because the hospital is not licensed as a forensic unit. The staff are all professionals.

Although there is no open-door policy where you can just up and go there are no police or armed guards. She reminded the court that the wards are mixed and that the patients are vulnerable.

“Patients are in contact with each other, some in mixed gender wards as well as in the higher security unit.”

“We don’t have forensic powers. You’ll find nurses, not police officers at Mount Carmel. There have been cases of threats towards patients and staff.”

When asked by the magistrate if prisoners are not vulnerable as well Xuereb replied that the praxis is that Mount Carmel sends psychiatrists to the CCF.

Lawyers Mario Mifsud and Nicholas Mifsud are assisting Aquilina. Inspectors Shaun Pawney and Jonathan Ransley are prosecuting, assisted by lawyers Anthony Vella and Darlene Grima from the Office of the Attorney General.

Lawyers Stefano Filletti, Lara Dimitriyevic, and Stephanie Caruana appeared parte civile, representing the Dembska family.

The case was adjourned to May 29 for further witnesses to testify.

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