Roddie Williams’ lawyers call for appointment of new psychiatrist for wife

The defence lawyers of Roddie Williams, who is accused of holding his estranged wife captive in a dark cave, have called for a new psychiatrist to be appointed after contesting a psychiatrist's declaration that his wife is unfit to testify.

Natalie Williams,46, was found in a cave without food or water days after she had been reported missing.

Last November, the courts heard how she remained in the cave out of fear, not knowing what her estranged husband would do to her had she escaped.

It has been alleged that the estranged husband pushed his wife down a flight of stairs, into the sea, forced her to get to the cave and kept her in the dark. It was also claimed that he raped his estranged wife twice throughout the three-days she remained in the cave. 

Roddy Swinton Williams, 37, is accused of placing William's life in manifest jeopardy, sexual assault, holding her against her will, harassing her and causing her to fear that violence would be used against her.

Williams was born in Seychelles and was residing in Fgura.

He was also charged with being in possession of heroin, slightly injuring his wife and threatening a policeman.

The court has denied William's requests for bail as his wife is yet to testify, with the court being provided with medical certificates regarding her mental health.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono told the court, which was presided over Judge Antonio Mizzi, that Williams had been in custody for three months due to the lack of testimony and that the law allows witnesses to testify via video conference.

He also pointed to two testimonies Natalie Williams provided during the inquiry, and that her statement had changed from abduction to entering the cave on her own volition.

Debono also made reference to MP Stephen Spiteri, the doctor who provided the medical certificate, who is facing allegations that he sold medical certificates.

Lawyer Kristina Garilli from the office of the Attorney General did not object to the appointment of a different psychiatrist but insisted that Natalie Williams' current physical state meant she was unable to testify.

The parties will now need to agree on a psychiatrist.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Yanika Vidal appeared on behalf of Roddie Williams.

 

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2nsp4lL
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