A Magistrate ruled today that a case filed in court 23 years ago was time barred, and the accused were therefore acquitted.

Raymond Bonnici and Ronald Urry had been accused of stealing and handling a cheque for Lm93.35, now equivalent to €217.50.

Last month they filed an application to the Constitutional Court saying their human rights had been breached because of the massive delay.

Mr Urry and Mr Bonnici said a large part of the delay stemmed from waiting for judgement.

New Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras this morning concluded the case by ruling that it was time barred 15 years ago.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri signed the application.

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