He was blinded by profit, Prosecution claims in Dimech trial

The trial by jury of Gordon Dimech has now entered its third day. The 39-year-old from Hamrun is being charged with aiding and abetting asylum seekers to escape from Malta. The case on which Dimech stands accused happened on 21 December 2005. Dennis Mackay was also accused in this case however he passed away earlier this year. Dr Lara Lanfranco from the office of the Attorney General present the final submissions for the prosecution. Dr Lanfranco held the evidence repeatedly portrayed the accused as being aware of the reason behind the purchase of the boat. "He was told the boat was required for an illegal escape. He knew he was dealing with asylum seekers and he knew they were waiting for the right weather conditions", the public prosecution maintained. She explained to the jury how irrespective of whether or not he actually gained profit, the accused still helped to make the escape a possibility. "He was blinded by profit. The greed to make a good quick buck precluded him from caring about the safety of the asylum seekers" asserted Dr Lanfranco. She said that the accused's claim he was unaware of the escape holds no water and should be discarded. Dr Lanfranco urged the jurors to decide with their heads not their hearts. "If you find it in your conscience to believe he did not know the boat would be used for an escape, then acquit him". The case continues with the final submissions of the defence lawyers and the concluding address of Mr Justice Michael Mallia, who is presiding the trial.