A 58-year-old man was sentenced to 31 years in prison yesterday for committing a double murder in May 2000, after an agreement between the prosecution and the defence came into affect upon the accused’s admission.

Paul Bonnici, from Ghaxaq, was due to stand trial by jury yesterday for shooting dead Joseph and Carmela Dalli in Ghaxaq at around 10.50am on 13 May 2000 after an argument with them.

Presiding judge Mr Joseph Galea Debono declared that if Bonnici were to file a guilty plea, he would uphold an agreement made between the prosecution and the defence requesting a maximum sentence of 31 years in prison. The lawyers appearing for the victims also agreed to the prison time stipulated in the arrangement.

In the light of this, Bonnici pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted shooting the Dallis that day in May 2000 as well as being in possession of a shotgun when the crime was committed.

Bonnici had argued with the victims and shot them dead. He even shot them again to make sure that they were dead. After the shooting, Bonnici had gone to the police and told them what he had done.

Passing judgment, Mr Justice Galea Debono took the accused’s age into consideration. He also noted Bonnici had a relatively clean record, with just a few traffic contraventions and possession of an unlicensed weapon over 30 years ago.

The judge sentenced Bonnici to 31 years in prison for the double murder and ordered him to pay Lm1,814 expenses incurred by the court during the proceedings.

Assistant Attorney General Anthony Barbara appeared for the prosecution, Dr Joe Mifsud defended Bonnici and Dr Michael Sciriha appeared parte civile for the victim’s family.