Alleged murderer claims threats by victim's family

Spiridione Mercieca, the man charged with murdering his business partner Martin Scicluna last year has asked the court to intervene after he allegedly received a nasty letter from the victim's family.

On September 16, Mr Scicluna, 43, of Siġġiewi, died on the spot after being shot twice in a building in Qormi, where he and Mr Mercieca ran the company All Sports International that specialises in turf.

Two days later Mr Mercieca, 46, of Birkirkara, was charged with the murder, which he denies.

In his application to the court Mr Mercieca claimed he had received a letter from the victim's family which was full of threats and insults.

He added that comments were also made in different media.

This was detrimental to the administration of justice. Also, the company was still going through liquidation and the family's actions were not helping the situation.

He asked Magistrate Miriam Hayman to intervene and take the necessary action in the circumstances.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio signed the application.