Court rules for indictment in 1989 murder case

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima yesterday ruled there were enough reasons to indict three men accused of committing a murder in 1989 and denied them bail.

The court, however, ordered that Mikiel Vella, 65, known as il-fixx, who is wheelchair bound and needs constant care because he is a diabetic, should be kept under escort at St Vincent de Paul hospital.

Carmelo Sant, 53, known as Karmnu harbat and George Pace, also 53, known as il-berqa, were remanded in custody in prison.

The three men stand accused of killing Nazzareno Ebejer, a 66-year-old man, at Mellieha in April, 1989.

CID Superintendent Pierre Calleja and homicide squad inspector Christopher Pullicino were yesterday engaged in arguments with the defence, following requests for bail.

Dr Silvio Brincat, who appeared for Vella, informed the court that prison was causing undue hardship to his client, who was sick and was not receiving the proper treatment.

The director of prisons, Sandro Gatt, testified that there were no nursing officers in prison and there were no special provisions for such cases.

Supt Calleja told the court that once, even though a month had elapsed, the prison authorities were unable to provide the necessary facilities, he could hardly keep insisting that the accused be kept behind bars, but regarding the other two, there were no reasons why they should be given bail.

Dr José Herrera, who is appearing for Pace, said he did not normally ask for bail at such an early stage but as his client had fully cooperated with the police and his statement was the most crucial evidence against him, there was no need for him to be kept in detention.

Dr Herrera argued that his client could have escaped from Malta in the 15 years that elapsed between when the murder took place and the arraignment.

But Supt Calleja argued that in the interim period, Pace had been charged and he was now facing a potential life sentence and if he had no reason to abscond earlier, now he had because he knew what he was in for.

Dr Joe Brincat, who appeared for Sant, did not ask for bail at this stage.