Twenty-two-year-old Ivan Cauchi, from Xewkija, was charged with the murder of Elizabeth Cauchi, his 57-year-old aunt, who was found dead, having been beaten, in her home on 25 February.

The man was also accused of stealing from the residence and holding Mrs Cauchi against her will.

The court, presided over by magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona, upheld the defence’s request to appoint a psychiatrist to assess the accused’s mental state. Dr Anton Grech was appointed to carry out the examination.

Mr Cauchi pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is currently being held at Mount Carmel Hospital.

Reports claim that Mrs Cauchi was probably killed the night before she was found, after her return home from the Nadur carnival. There were no signs of a break-in and bruises on Mrs Cauchi’s body suggest she resisted the attack.

Superintendent Pierre Calleja and inspectors Chris Pullicino and Antonello Grech prosecuted while Dr Manwel Mallia and Dr Anton Refalo appeared for the accused.

The case continues, with the court beginning to hear evidence.