The man allegedly involved in the arson attempt on the home of Deniro Magri, who is still facing proceedings over the murder of Sylvester Farrugia last February in Marsa, was today in court as the compilation of evidence continued.

Aaron Cassar, 37, from Kirkop, unemployed, sat in the dock and listened attentively as chief prosecutor Inspector Keith Arnaud testified on the events which took place in the early hours of February 12 in Marsa.

Recalling how the police had been alerted to the lifeless body of Sylvester Farrugia, 25, from Żurrieq lying next to a Toyota Starlet in Simpson Street, Marsa, Inspector Arnaud explained how investigators later discovered clear signs of an arson attempt outside the front door of Deniro Magri who lived in another street close by.

Relatives of Mr Magri, who was eventually arraigned on charges of murder and granted bail, were today also present in the courtroom listening attentively as inspector Arnaud explained how CCTV footage from different sites related to the arson attempt and the murder had led to the identification of Mr Cassar.

On February 13, an arrest warrant was issued against Mr Cassar who refused legal assistance at the time and was granted police bail pending the outcome of DNA tests. The man had alleged that on the night of the attempted arson attack, he had been in Birżebbuġa.

Forensic expert Marisa Cassar testified how she had conducted a comparative analysis of swabs taken from three suspects. The swabs taken from different cars, clothes and cigarette butts were handed to her by scene of the crime officers.

The expert explained that swabs taken from a reddish-wine jacket, discovered along the roadside in the vicinity of Simpson Street, had matched the DNA profile of Mr Cassar.

Lawyer Martin Fenech, appearing for Mr Cassar, remarked that so far the prosecution had only presented circumstantial evidence.

The case continues.

Lawyers Giannella DeMarco and Marion Camilleri were appearing parte civile for the family of Deniro Magri.