Birkirkara man accused of shooting dead his business partner

A 46-year-old Birkirkara man appeared before Magistrate Antonio Mizzi yesterday to be charged with the murder of his business partner on Tuesday.

Spiridione Mercieca, who turned himself in after the fatal shooting, pleaded not guilty to the wilful murder of Martin Scicluna, illegally carrying a shotgun and using it.

Defence counsel Joe Giglio informed the court that the defence accepted the statement made by the accused to the police as a correct version of events. The statement is expected to be read in court by the investigating officer during the compilation of evidence.

Mr Scicluna, 43, of Siġġiewi, died on the spot after being shot twice in a building in Qormi from where he and Mr Mercieca ran the company All Sports International.

After the shooting Mr Mercieca drove to the law courts in Valletta and turned himself in to a police inspector.

Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino, Daniel Zammit and Malcolm Bondin prosecuted.

Lawyer Beppe Fenech Adami also forms part of the defence team.