The parents of Gunner Matthew Psaila, who died of hypothermia after an army training exercise in Chadwick Lakes last year, have filed a judicial letter demanding com-pensation within five days.

Anthony and Mary Anne Psaila said it was clear that their son had died as a direct result of negligence and non-observance of regulations.

The letter was filed in the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Prime Minister, the Commander of the AFM, the officer commanding the gunner's regiment Lieutenant Christian Vella, Colonel Ian Ruggier and Gunner John Cachia.

The letter comes in the wake of last month's criminal court proceedings, which are ongoing. Lieutenant Vella, who was in charge of the training exercise, and Lance Bombardier Marvic Peregin, who was assisting Gunner Psaila's group of soldiers, stand charged with the involuntary homicide of the soldier through negligence and committing a crime they were in duty bound to prevent.

The training exercise was held in Chadwick Lakes on February 13, 2009. The soldiers had to make their way through a tunnel in freezing cold water and, at one point, Gunner Psaila went under and remained there for some minutes.

In the last sitting, forensic pathologist Mario Scerri told the court that the young man died from hypothermia because of the freezing cold water. He added that although the soldier had swallowed copious amounts of water this was not the reason he had died.

Lawyers Michael and Jacqueline Tanti Dougall and Mark Simiana signed the letter.