A married couple has been awarded €50,000 in compensation for the services it rendered to an elderly man who died without leaving a will.

Anthony and Rita Brincat filed their claim for compensation against the vacant inheritance of Salvatore Grima in the First Hall of the Civil Court presided over by Mr Justice Anthony Ellul.

They told the court that they had taken care of Mr Grima, who had no family, since 1984 and that although he had always promised to compensate them for their services, he had died in an accident in 2009 without leaving a will.

The court heard that Mrs Brincat used to take Mr Grima meals twice a day, and that she used to purchase his medicines and clean his apartment once a month.

Mr Brincat had Mr Grima's power of attorney and used to go to the bank for him.

The couple had given Mr Grima a family atmosphere which he lacked as he was a bachelor and had no living family members, and used to take him on outings with them.

Mr Justice Ellul said that it was clear from the evidence produced that Mr Grima had been grateful for the services he had received, and had planned to compensate the Brincats, but his plans were disturbed by his untimely death.

The court concluded by awarding Mr and Mrs Brincat €50,000 from Mr Grima's estate