Qormi murder - Court turns down request for bail

The man accused of killing his business partner in Qormi last month had his request for bail turned down today on the grounds that more witnesses still have to testify.

Spiridione Mercieca is pleading not guilty to murdering Martin Scicluna at their office in Qormi on September 16.

Defence lawyer Joseph Giglio had requested bail on behalf of his client on Wednesday, saying that the main witnesses in the trial had testified, his client was definitely not going to abscond from the island because of his strong ties with the country and he had more than fully cooperated with the police in their investigations.

In this morning’s sitting, after hearing that there are still more witnesses to testify, the court turned down the request for bail until they are heard.