The remains found in a Birzebbuga field in July 2013 been definitively identified as belonging to taxi driver Matthew Zahra, forensic expert Marisa Cassar told a court today.

She was testifying during the compilation of evidence against Ronald Urry and Jason Galea, who are accused of Mr Zahra’s murder.

Mr Zahra  disappeared in 2012 and his remains were only found in the Birzebbugia field the following year when police were investigating the murder of Mario Camilleri, know as L-imniehru, and his son Mario Camilleri jnr.

Jason Galea, together with his half-brother George Galea stand accused of murdering Mr Camilleri's and his son in a separate  case.

Dr Cassar told Magistrate Josette Demicoli how she had been tasked with the examination of all the human remains recovered from the Birzebbugia field.

As the expert informed the court that four bones were still to be examined, lawyer Stefano Filletti, appearing in parte civile for the victims’ families, requested that the expert be allowed to conclude her tests on all remains so as to provide closure to the families as well as to exclude the presence of other victims.

The report will be exhibited in court at the end of this month.