Qormi murder compilation of evidence behind closed doors

The compilation of evidence in the case against Stephen Caruana, 28 who is pleading not guilty to the murder of 28-year-old Neville Baldacchino is being heard behind closed doors.

Mr Baldacchino was shot several times at around 1 a.m. on December 19 on the roof of Mr Caruana’s house.

Shortly before the case was due to be heard Magistrate Miriam Hayman ordered that the public and the press leave the court room.

During the arraignment defence lawyers told the court that the incident happened when Mr Caruana - who was asleep at home with his wife and their four children - was woken up by a sound.

He was frightened when he discovered Mr Baldacchino in his home "illegally", according to his lawyers Giannella Caruana Curran, Emmanuel Mallia and Arthur Azzopardi.

Mr Caruana informed the police of the shooting himself. Apart from two fines for the illegal possession of a bird-caller, he has a clean record.

Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino and Daniel Zammit prosecuted.