A man who went missing 11 years ago was declared dead by a Gozitan court and his possessions have been passed on to his relatives.

The man, Joseph Attard, went missing on 17 February 2002. His four siblings instituted a court case to take over his possessions.

When he went missing, an extensive search was mounted for him but he was not found. His passport and ID card number were found in his place of residence and therefore it was impossible that he could have gone abroad.

The case was presided by Magistrate Josette Demicoli.