Two people charged with the murder of bank messenger Alphonse Ferriggi 14 years ago were today denied bail.

James Vella, 33, of Qormi, known as Il-Frejżer, and Chris Scerri, 35, of Pietá, known as Gazzetti or Buttuni, were charged with the murder after two other men, Joseph Zammit, 57, of Floriana, known as Żeppi ir-Redgħu, and Richard Grech, 47, Iż-Żinanna said they were involved.

Mr Zammit was jailed for 31 years in 2009 for the murder while Mr Grech was jailed for life in May 2011.

Mr Vella and Mr Scerri have now been two months behind bars.

In an impassioned plea, the accused’s lawyer, Franco Debono, said the police failed to provide witnesses even though there were people waiting in prison under arrest.

He noted that when a tourist had to testify, the tourist was brought to court on the same day of the arraignment because he or she would want to leave the island.

Yet, in this case, two people were thrown in jail indefinitely waiting for the prosecution to produce witnesses.

These witnesses had all testified before other courts and their testimony was preserved. Two juries had been decided and magisterial inquiries were held.

The two accused had been in jail for two months for a crime that happened 14 years ago.

Inspector Chris Pullicino noted that this was a murder case and the maximum sentence was life.

The prosecution had not dragged its feet, the accused had known for years that the police did not have evidence against them but now they did and the fear of absconding was very real.

“We are talking about their freedom yet the victim had his life taken away,” he said.

In response, Dr Debono said there was no prima facie evidence and he was convinced there was no evidence against his clients.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli, denied the accused bail and called on the prosecution to present all evidence as soon as possible.