Youth accused of murdering mother fails to turn up at court

A 20-year-old female accused of murdering her mother failed to attend court after she was recovered at Mater Dei Hospital from the area of the Detox Centre, earlier today. Court demanded that the prosecution and the defence find the real reason behind the youth’s absence. Prosecuting inspector Chris Pullicino informed the court that officers from Agenzija Appogg were summoned to explain why the youth was allowed to leave her YMCA residence and go to her mother's house while under a care order. The youth, whose name cannot be released, stands charged with the murder of her mother. The case dates back to the early afternoon of 26 April 2008 when the youth was still a minor. An argument ensued at the residence of the mother, in Triq is-Sebuqa, San Gwann. During the argument the mother was stabbed with a knife. A friend of the minor had raised the alarm. The 47-year-old mother was found lying face down in a pool of blood, on a bed by the police. The accused was arrested at around 6:30pm close to where the murder took place. The minor's former boyfriend was also charged with the woman's murder. In another sitting, the court heard how the late mother was herself a drug addict and consumed drugs while pregnant with the accused. In a sitting held on 27 April 2012, the youth pleaded guilty to stealing top up cards and breaching bail conditions. She was handed a three month jail term, and left prison later the same year.