A west African immigrant with "suicidal tendencies" was yesterday charged with murdering and burying an Ivorian man.

Fodie Keita, 33, from Mali pleaded not guilty to murdering 30-year-old Adame Diabate on June 6 and hiding his body next to a carob tree in Ħal Far, close to a hangar where immigrants live.

Dressed in a red basketball top, jeans and white flip-flops, Mr Keita stood quietly in the dock and only spoke to give his details to an interpreter who translated the court proceedings into French.

Defence lawyer Henry Antoncich said his client had "suicidal tendencies" and made an unopposed request for the court to send Mr Keita to Mount Carmel Hospital for observation rather than remand him in custody.

Prosecuting Inspector Chris Pullicino informed the court that a psychiatrist had found Mr Kieta "fit for police investigation" but recommended that he remained under constant observation.

Mr Keita also pleaded not guilty to being in possession of a firearm when the crime took place and stealing Mr Diabete's mobile phone.

The migrant's body was found buried in the foetal position in a field in Ħal Far. The only exposed parts of his body were his toes when he was discovered by fellow immigrants.

Traces of blood were found on the road leading to the field and an autopsy revealed that Mr Diabete died after suffering a fractured skull.