A judge yesterday ordered the re-arrest of the Kalkara murder suspect five days after he was granted bail, upholding the Attorney General’s argument that society ought to be protected from such a character.

Gregorio Scicluna is accused of killing his former partner’s father and with trying to kill her and their two children.

He was granted bail on Monday against a deposit of €30,000 and a personal guarantee of €30,000. Sources said he did not have the required funds and was therefore still in custody.

Mr Scicluna, 52, stands accused of killing Joseph Caruana, 61, in front of his daughter and grand­children on October 27 last year at his home in Kalkara.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia upheld the arguments made by the Attorney General who insisted that the accused did not satisfy the conditions at law to be granted bail. The Attorney General also complained that Mr Scicluna was a relapser and had already been found guilty of assisting a woman in her attempt to kill her husband in the past. On the basis of this, he could not be trusted.

The Criminal Court said society ought to be protected from such a character. It therefore ordered the revocation of the bail decree and that he be remanded in custody.

Lawyer Philip Galea Farrugia represented the Attorney General.

Lawyer Michael Sciriha appeared for Mr Scicluna.