Edward Joseph VELLA v Chizuko SUGITA

Edward Joseph Vella appealed against a verdict and judgment entered in favour of Chizuko Sugita in the court below. The appeal was heard by Sheller and Beazley JJA and Foster AJA.

The central legal issue before the appellate court was whether the verdict and judgment in favour of Ms Sugita were correct, and consequently, whether the appeal should be upheld. This involved a review of the findings of the court below in light of the evidence and legal principles applicable to the matter.

The Court of Appeal upheld Mr Vella's appeal, finding that the original verdict and judgment were erroneous. Consequently, the Court set aside the verdict and judgment of the court below. A substituted verdict and judgment was entered in favour of Ms Sugita in the amount of $224,707.00. Ms Sugita was ordered to pay Mr Vella's costs of the appeal and cross-appeal, and was granted a Certificate under the Suitor's Funds Act, provided she otherwise qualified.