Andy Calleja shot PC Roger Debattista on 12 November 2001 while he, together with 34-year-old Mario Borg from Zebbug, Mark Falzon, 28, from Hamrun and Ian Galdes, aged 21, from Qormi, held up the Qormi branch of Bank of Valletta. The four hooded men entered the bank and demanded the cashiers hand over all the money available. They succeeded in stealing over Lm1,000.

As PC Roger Debattista was attempting to use his weapon to protect himself and the other people in the bank, Andy Calleja shot him with the rifle he was carrying. This shot was not fatal, but Calleja pulled the trigger a second time, delivering a fatal shot to the left side of Mr Debattista’s body.

Instead of standing for trial by jury, the men accused admitted the charges against them. Borg, Falzon and Galdes admitted the theft, but were not charged with complicity in the murder of the police officer, as defence attorneys explained that the murder had not been planned or discussed prior to the hold-up.

Calleja, who was charged with murder and theft, admitted both charges. The prosecution is pressing for him to be imprisoned for life.

All the men accused, with the exception of Mark Falzon, also admitted relapsing in view of previous convictions.

The court, presided over by Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono, is due to pass judgement on Thursday.

Senior Council to the Republic Mark Said prosecuted while Dr John Attard Montalto, Dr Ian Farrugia, Dr Manwel Mallia, Dr Gianella Caruana Curran and Dr Michael Sciriha appeared for the defence.