The United Kingdom is seeking the extradition of a Maltese woman accused of assaulting and inflicting bodily harm on her son, who was under the age of 16.
A court on Thursday heard that the Magistrates’ Court of Belfast in Northern Ireland issued a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TACA) warrant earlier this year for the extradition of 58-year-old Stephanie Bernardine Rita Josephine Schembri Meelhatton.
The accused claims to have been living in Northern Ireland for five years.
Sources said this is the first time the TACA warrant is being used in Malta. The warrant applies to extradition cases between the UK and EU countries.
Lawyer Daphne Baldacchino, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, told the court that the accused is facing six charges relating to the assault of her son in 2020.
Legal aid lawyer Axl Camilleri said the accused is contesting the extradition request on the basis of identity. Given her lengthy name, the defence raised multiple questions for the prosecution about her identity.
The defence requested bail, but the prosecution objected due to the serious nature of the charges and fears that she might flee Malta, as she had previously fled Northern Ireland.
Baldacchino said that, based on information she received, it appeared the accused fled Northern Ireland after being tipped off that she was under investigation.
The prosecution also argued there was a risk she might reach out to her son.
The defence countered that, unlike in local cases, the risk of interfering with the investigation does not apply since the investigation is taking place in Northern Ireland.
Magistrate Monica Vella denied bail, and the accused was remanded in custody.
A decision on the extradition request will be given next week.
Inspectors Robinson Mifsud and Kurt Ryan Farrugia prosecuted.