Updated - Two men were this evening accused in court of the homicide of 47-year-old hairdresser Mario Galea, who was killed in Paceville early yesterday.

Joseph Zahra 28 of St Julian's and Brian Cini, 28 of Victoria both pleaded not guilty.

Galea is believed to have been beaten up before he was run over by a taxi as he lay on the ground in Paceville Avenue.

Lawyers Michael Schriha, Giannella de Marco and Gianluca Caruana Currana asked the court to ensure that the medical history of the victim is presented before it.

The court, presided by Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, ordered toxicological and blood tests on the victim and a physical examination of the accused. They are also to be seen by a psychiatric doctor since they are in a confused state and shock.

The two men covered their faces with a black cloth as they were escorted in and out of the court building. They did not seek bail and were remanded in custody.

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