The wheels of justice are known to grind slowly as in the case of a dispute that started in 1970 and ended only yesterday.

It took so long to conclude the case – a civil suit for damages – that one of the parties passed away and had to be represented by his wife and heirs.

More than four decades ago, Ignazio Gatt, for Joseph Gatt Ltd, sued Żakkarija Calleja, demanding payment of £12,169.16 for the consignment of animal feed between February 1969 and February 1970. Mr Gatt died during the proceedings.

Mr Calleja refused to pay, complaining that the quality of the feed, particularly concentrate, was inadequate and had even caused the death of a number of animals.

Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco observed that the case had been delayed for various reasons including the fact that one of the parties had taken years to pay the legal counsel he had at the time.

The court was also disturbed by the behaviour of Mr Gatt’s widow and another witness.

There had also been disagreement over the views of the court expert.

Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco found that the death of a number of animals could not be directly attributed to the feed. He therefore ordered Mr Calleja to pay €24,930.49 to Mr Gatt’s widow and heirs. This represented the original sum together with interest.

Another long-standing court case hit the headlines recently. Raymond Bonnici and Ronald Urry were charged on December 14, 1990, with theft and handling a stolen cheque for €217.50. The case continues.