Witnesses brought to the stand confirmed that the accused, Josef Grech, did indeed take them to Rabat that night.

He took a group of seven people from Gzira to Rabat and picked them up again at about 10.30pm, although none of the witnesses were able to recognise the accused.

The last time the victim was seen alive was at about 11.15pm as she was leaving the Club de Bingo in Bugibba. The CCTV videos were shown in court yesterday, but some technical clarifications are still required.

At previous sittings the court, presided over by magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima, heard witnesses say that Grech offered them money to help in someone’s murder. It was also mentioned that the victim’s husband allegedly had a hand in her “elimination”.

The case continues.

Inspectors Chris Pullicino and Carmelo Bartolo are prosecuting while Dr Manwel Mallia and Dr Gianella Caruana Curran are appearing for the defence.