A panel of jurors hearing the case of a man accused of murdering his estranged wife this morning continued hearing several contradictory statements he had given the police during his interrogations. 

As the trial by jury entered its third day, the prosecution this morning read out the several statements Nizar El Gadi, 36, released to the police during his interrogations. 

He stands accused of murdering lawyer Margaret Mifsud who was found asphyxiated in her car at Qalet Marku in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq on April 19, 2012.

Prosecuting inspector Keith Arnaud said the police became suspicious of Mr El Gadi when his version were conflicting.

Eyebrows were also raised when it was discovered that Mr El Gadi showed absolutely no signs of worry when the police informed him that his ex-wife and mother of his children was missing and had not returned to her mother's house. 

Mr Arnaud explained that Mr El Gadi was giving the police several contradictory versions of events and then convoluted explanations when asked about the contradictions. 

The inspector said the man told police that it was his first day on his new job so could not stay sending his ex-wife messages except a few expressing concern that she was not replying to other text messages he had sent her earlier. 

In a veiled attempt to deviate the investigations, Mr El Gadi had told police that he thought the victim “might have been sleeping with someone else” but added that he had not confronted her about it because he was not sure. 

The trial is still in progress. 

Lawyer Martin Testaferrata Moroni Viani is defending the accused. Judge Antonio Mizzi is presiding over the case.

Lawyers Philip Galea Farrugia and Giannella Busuttil from the Attorney General’s Office are leading the prosecution.

Drs Kathleen Grima and Arthur Azzopardi are appearing parte civile on behalf of the victim's family.