Murder suspect sues victim's sister for libel

The man charged with the murder of his business partner yesterday sued the victim's sister for libel over allegations she made when criticising a court decision to allow the accused to go on a two-month business trip to West Africa.

Dione Mercieca was given permission to travel in connection with a contract that bound the company he shared with the victim to lay artificial turf on a number of sport pitches.

The decision by Magistrate Miriam Hayman infuriated relatives who said they would hold the court and the authorities responsible should he fail to return.

Since then, Mr Mercieca has dropped his travel plans. "I want to face justice, not escape it," he told The Times on Thursday, adding that the contract had to be respected as otherwise the company would incur heavy penalties.

Yesterday, however, he sued Grace Scicluna and One News editor Miriam Dalli over comments the former made during a telephone interview on Wednesday and Thursday's news bulletins. Mr Mercieca is claiming the allegations were aimed at tarnishing his reputation and putting him in a bad light.

Ms Scicluna's brother, Martin Scicluna, was shot dead at point blank range with two bullets to the head at the office of his company, All Sports International, in Qormi on September 16.

The accused was granted bail in November against a deposit of €10,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000.