A man who is serving a 30-year jail term for participating in the murder of warden Fortunata Spiteri in Gozo nine years ago, told a court this morning that he had taken part in the crime after being promised money by Gianni Attard.

Benny Attard, who looked frail, was giving evidence in the trial of Gianni Attard, a former bus driver who is alleged to have masterminded the murder after having been irked by the number of traffic tickets he received.

Benny Attard said that Gianni had promised him Lm5,000 if he joined him on something he needed to do.

They spoke on their plans a number of times. Gianni, the witness said, had told him more than once that he wanted to kill the warden.

They went to the site on the road between Victoria and Gharb together and, Mr Attard said, he held the warden while the accused stabbed her six times. She staggered to her car and tried to drive off, but died in the vehicle.

Gianni, the witness said, wore a mask which actually belonged to him.

The witness said he used to know the warden but she never gave him tickets because he did not drive at the time.

The trial continues.

Lawyer Lara Lanfranco from the Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting while legal aid lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace is appearing for the accused.