One of the accused in the murder of Matthew Zahra, 27, in August last year told the police he had shot Mr Zahra and killed him.

Testifying in the compilation of evidence of Ronald Urry and Jason Galea, who stand charged with murdering Mr Zahra, Police Sergeant Andrew St John said he had instructed to accompany Mr Urry for the latter to show the police his movements on the day of the murder.

Mr Zahra’s body had been found buried in a field near Birzebbuga in August, along with the bodies of Mario Camilleri l-Imniehru and his son Mario Jr.

Mr Galea, 39, of Birzebbuga stands accused of the murder, along with Mr Urry, 29 of Paola.

PS St John said that on the day of the murder, Mr Galea took Mr Urry to a field in Birzebbuga. The owner of the field, Alfredo Attard, was there and a hole had already been dug up.

Mr Urry told the police he hid behind the wall as the owner stood a few metres away. When Mr Galea arrived with Mr Zahra in a car, he (Mr Urry) shot and killed Mr Zahra.

They then dragged the body into the hole.

PS St John said the police spoke to Mr Attard who told them he had thrown away Matthew’s bones in a mountain of manure.

Police Inspector Fabian Fleri said that Mr Attard was extremely sick at the moment and was receiving chemotherapy and was unable to go to court.

He said that a decision had yet to be taken by the police, in conjunction with the Attorney General, about whether or not to charge Mr Attard in connection with the murder.

A bail request from Mr Galea was turned down.

The case continues.