Keith Schembri’s lawyer in a libel case has dumped his client after he failed to turn up to a sitting this morning.

The former Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, who is facing serious allegations over his involvement in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, filed the libel case over an article’s claim that HSBC Bank Malta was expected to launch an investigation into the possible fraudulent presentation of documents concerning Schembri and Malcolm Scerri, the general manager of Kasco Ltd

However, Schembri, who recently refused to testify in another libel case he instituted concerning corruption, did not turn up to today’s sitting. His lawyer, Andrew Sciberras arrived five minutes late, before telling Magistrate Victor Axiaq that he planned to renounce Schembri as a client.

Sciberras’ reasoning behind dumping Schembri is as yet unclear. Opposing lawyer Peter Fenech said he will wait to the next sitting to see who Schembri’s new lawyer will be. If no one is chosen, they will proceed with the case.

The case continues on 27th January 2020.