Two men charged with the murder of bank messenger Alphonse Ferriggi were yesterday denied bail despite their lawyer’s laments that the prosecution was dragging its feet.

James Vella, 33, of Qormi, known as Il-Frejżer, and Chris Scerri, 35, from Pietà, known as Gazzetti or Buttuni, were charged with the murder that took place 14 years ago.

They were charged after Joseph Zammit, 57, of Floriana, known as Żeppi r-Redgħu, and Richard Grech, 47, Iż-Żinanna, had said they were involved.

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

Yesterday, defence lawyer Franco Debono made an impassioned plea arguing that his clients had spent two months behind bars because the prosecution was delaying producing witnesses.

He drew a contrast with tourists who are brought to court to testify on the same day of the arraignment because they would want to leave the island.

Police inspector Chris Pullicino responded that this was a murder case with a maximum life sentence.

Rejecting claims that the prosecution had dragged its feet, Inspector Pullicino said the police only obtained evidence against the two men recently.

He also pointed out there was a “real” fear of the two absconding.

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

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