The family of murder victim Matthew Zahra have asked to have his remains returned to them for burial following the conclusion of a study by a forensic expert who identified the bones.

They requested the return of the remains once identification is formally given in court by expert Marisa Cassar. She is due to testify in the case against Jason Galea, 39, of Birżebbuġa and Ronald Urry, 49, of Paola, who have admitted to the police to the murder of Mr Zahra, 27, from Valletta.

Despite their admission both men are pleading not guilty to murdering Mr Zahra.

In separate proceedings, Mr Galea together with another man, George Galea, 41, from Marsa, is pleading not guilty to murdering his brother-in-law Mario Camilleri, 51, and his 21-year-old nephew Mario Jr.

All three were buried in a field in Qajjenza, Birżebbuġa.