An Ghaxaq man was yesterday jailed for 31 years after he pleaded guilty to shooting dead two neighbours following an argument.

Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono, who presided over the Criminal Court, heard 58-year-old Paul Bonnici plead guilty to fatally shooting Joseph Dalli and his wife Carmela outside their home in Santa Maria Street, Ghaxaq, on May 13, 2000 at about 10.50 a.m.

Mr Bonnici, who pleaded guilty during what was to be the beginning of his trial by jury, also admitted to the possession of a firearm at the time of the commission of the crime.

On handing down judgement Mr Justice Galea Debono took note of the circumstances of the case and Mr Bonnici's age.

He also noted that the accused's updated criminal record listed convictions that dated back over 30 years ago and included traffic contraventions and the possession of a firearm without a licence.

The judge noted that the defence and the prosecution had agreed on a 31-year jail term in case of a guilty plea.

Earlier, Mr Justice Galea Debono strongly deplored the attitude of a police constable who mistakenly reported to the court that Mr Bonnici had a clean criminal record.

He also deplored the fact that the prosecuting officer had failed to check the copy of Mr Bonnici's criminal record included in the court documents.

Assistant Attorney General Dr Anthony Barbara prosecuted.

Dr Joseph Mifsud appeared for Mr Bonnici and Dr Michael Sciriha represented the victim's family.