The men, who all pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them, were charged in court after the police made a breakthrough in their 15-year investigation into the murder of Nazzareno Ebejer, 66, from Birkirkara.

The three accused are Michael Vella, 65, from Gharghur, who at present lives at the St Vincent de Paule residence for the elderly; Carmelo Sant, 53, also from Gharghur, but who does not have a fixed address and George Pace, 53, from Birkirkara.

The three were charged of shooting and killing Mr Ebejer, attempted theft and being in possession of a weapon without a licence.

Mr Vella, who turned up in court in a wheelchair after he had one of his legs amputated, was further charged with relapsing after he was found guilty of a crime in June 1964.

The three were remanded in custody after their defence lawyers did not ask for their clients to be granted bail.

Magistrate Michael Mallia presided over the court. Police assistant commissioner Manuel Cassar, superintendent Pierre Calleja and police inspector Chris Pullicino prosecuted.

Dr Josè Herrera, Dr Chris Cardona, Dr Silvio Brincat and Dr Joe Brincat appeared for the accused.

Mr Ebejer was found dead by three hunters in a room at L-Ahrax tal-Mellieha on 10 April 1989. He had returned to Malta from Wales a year before being murdered.

Investigations had revealed that the man had been shot in the face at close range.

Mr Ebejer had left Malta for Wales after he was released from prison in 1958. He had been sentenced to 18 years in jail after being found guilty of the murder of 36-year-old Nina Galea in Birkirkara.

Reports show that in July 1952, Mr Ebejer had had an argument with his brother-in-law whom he tried to shoot, but his shot hit Mrs Galea, who was sitting on her doorstep. He had only served six years of his 18-year jail term because of an amnesty.