Drug trafficker Mario Camilleri , known as l-Imniehru, had fired shots at the two men being accused of his murder, a court heard today.

Taking the witness stand in the compilation of evidence against Jason Galea and George Galea, who are being charged with the murder of Mr Camilleri and his son Mario, 21, Insp. Chris Pullicino told the court that both the accused had admitted to the murders in their police statements.

The two men were reported missing on July 17 and their bodies were found partially buried in a field at Qajjenza on the following day.

Insp. Pullicino said investigations led the police to the accused, who released statements about their involvement in the murder. Both refused legal assistance.

The inspector exhibited six DVD's which contained the video recording of Jason Galea’s four statements and George Galea’s two.

The latter, he said, had taken an active role in the murder of both men.

At one point during today’s hearing, Mr Camilleri Snr’s pregnant wife Mona started crying and was escorted out of the courtroom shortly after.

Insp. Pullicino said Mr G Galea had fired at Mario Jnr but did not point directly at him.

He told the court that Mario Snr, who was killed first in the presence of both accused, was murdered in Marsaxlokk at a place indicated to the police by the two men.

Mario Jnr was also killed in the presence of the two men. A third person was present for the burial. The two men were killed minutes apart and some telephone calls were made.

The inspector said he would like to testify in more detail at a later stage.

Lawyer Joe Giglio, who is appearing for Mr J Galea, asked the inspector to confirm that Mario Snr was killed in Marsaxlokk shortly after he had got out of a car and fired shots. Insp. Pullicino said this allegation had been made. He said that Mr Camilleri Snr had two guns but only one was found. The shots were fired by Mr Camilleri Snr in the limits of Marsaxlokk, the inspector said.

Lawyer Gianella de Marco, who is appearing for Mr G Galea, asked the inspector about the autopsy.

Insp. Pullicino said the first showed Mr Camilleri Snr had died from a heart attack but the results of the second were pending.

Replying to questions by fellow prosecutor Insp. Fabian Fleri, Insp. Pullicino said the accused told the police said that Mr Camilleri Snr had died from gunshot wounds to the head and the van he was in was full of blood.

Dr de Marco that Mr G Galea never said that but the inspector said Mr Camilleri Snr stopped talking and lost consciousness when Mr J Galea fired shots into the passenger side window of the van. The accused then took him to the field to bury him there.

Dr de Marco said that threats had been exchanged between the family and the accused. The inspector was asked by the Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona to take a report of the incident.

A request for a protection order against the accused was denied with the magistrate saying this was not needed as they would remain in custody.

Lawyer Joe Brincat is appearing for the Camilleri family.

Inspectors Michael Mallia and Louise Calleja are also prosecuting.

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