A magistrate ruled yesterday that a man who vanished from his home in Victoria 11 years ago should be presumed dead and his heirs could take possession of his estate.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli heard Joseph Attard, 41, who lived with his father, left on February 17, 2002, and never returned.

No one had heard from him since and his travel documents were still at home.

Magistrate Demicoli noted the Civil Code laid down that a person who was missing for 10 continuous years could be presumed dead.

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