The two men accused of murdering Alphonse Ferriggi in 2000 at the BOV branch in San Gwann will face a trial by jury. Magistrate Josette Demicoli ruled that there is enough prima facia evidence against the men, James Vella, 33, from Qormi and Chris Scerri, 35, from Pieta.

The magistrate denied bail to the accused given the gravity of the charges.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono complained that the prosecution had not provided any evidence on a number of charges, including that of stealing a car, which carries a maximum penalty of seven year.

Dr Debono said he will be opening a constitutional case due to the lack of evidence presented. He said it is worrying that in the year 2014 a police Inspector is declaring that he does not have evidence on all the charges.

Prosecuting Officer Keith Arnaud said the law does not oblige him to present all the evidence in a prima facia hearing. Inspector Arnaud said he had focussed on the prima facia evidence about the homicide.