A woman who witnessed the murder of a 20-year-old man in a field in Marsa eight years ago told the court this morning that she had been threatened not to open her mouth “or she would end up in the same way”.

Testifying in the case against Faical Mahouachi, 46, of Tunisia and 42-year-old Ismael Habesh, of Libya, who are pleading not guilty to the murder of Simon Grech on April 5, 2005, Karin Rapinett, told the court she was with the victim near HSBC in Marsa.

The accused had turned up in a car and Simon Grech asked Mr Habesh why he had gone to pick up drugs without him. They had an argument and Mr Habesh beat Mr Grech up so badly that Mr Grech lost consciousness.

Mr Mahouchi then got out of the car and carried Mr Grec  into a field nearby.

Ms Rapinett said she followed them and saw Mr Habesh produce a knife but she could not see the victim because she was hidden by the tall grass. However, she heard him cry Ajma Ajma.

She left the scene, but on returning, she saw the two accused in their car. They were both covered in blood. Mr Habesh told her that if she opened her mouth she would end up the same way.

Her testimony was suspended and will continue at another time.

Mr Grech was found dead by the police eight days after his murder, having suffered some 20 stab wounds. 

Lawyer Edward Gatt appeared for Mr Habesh.