An Ghaxaq man who two years ago was charged with the double murder of a couple who lived next door to him, was yesterday granted bail against a deposit of Lm15,000.

Paul Bonnici, 56, is pleading not guilty to killing Joseph and Carmela Dalli outside their home in Santa Marija Street at about 11 a.m. on May 15, 2000.

The court, presided by Mr Justice Vincent De Gaetano, noted that Bonnici had been arraigned under arrest in May 2000 and to date he had not been served with a bill of indictment.

As the law laid down that an accused person had a right for bail unless the bill of indictment was issued within 20 months, the court upheld his request for bail.

The court bound Bonnici with several conditions, including reporting twice daily to a police station and depositing Lm15,000 in court.

Police Inspectors David Saliba and Walter Spiteri prosecuted.

Dr Emmanuel Mallia, Dr Giannella Caruana Curran and Dr Franco Debono appeared for Bonnici.