Jesper Kristiansen, one of three men accused over a double murder in Sliema four years ago, was jailed for 40 years on Tuesday. 

Kirstiansen, from Denmark, was accused of murdering Christian Pandolfino and Ivor Maciejowski at their Sliema home in August 2020.

He had escaped from Malta after the murder but was arrested 10 days later after he had been tracked down in Cadiz, Spain. He had been extradited to Malta to face criminal charges.

The other two men facing murder charges in the case are Albanian national Daniel Muka and Serbian national Viktor Dragomanski.

Madam Justice Natasha Galea Sciberras last week was informed that the prosecution and Kristiansen's defence team had agreed on the terms of a plea bargain.

Kristiansen was to enter a guilty plea against the agreed punishment of 40 years and his share of court expenses. The accused, assisted by lawyers Stefano Filletti and Roberto Montalto, confirmed that he understood the implications of his admission.

AG lawyer Kevin Valletta then asked for the separation of proceedings, meaning that Dragomanski and Muka would now face the charges separately from Kristiansen.

Had he gone to trial, Kristiansen could have faced up to life in prison if found guilty.

Kristiansen will be able to testify against his co-accused without the fear of self-incrimination.

AG lawyer Kevin Valletta is prosecuting. Lawyers Stefano Filletti and Roberto Montalto are counsel to Kristiansen.

Lawyers Joe Giglio and Michaela Giglio are appearing parte civile.