Appearing dishevelled, confused and somewhat worse for wear, 51-year-old Carmelo Camilleri was arraigned in court yesterday and charged with the 1988 murder of Baron Frank Sant Cassia, who was shot outside his home at Castello Zamitello in Mgarr.

Mr Camilleri is accused of firing a single shot in the direction of Baron Sant Cassia at around six in the evening on 27 October 1988, placing his life in clear danger and provoking his death.

Mr Camilleri, a government employee from Mosta, is also charged with committing a crime against a person while in possession of a firearm, namely a shotgun, and with holding in his possession or under his control a firearm or ammunition outside the area designated by his firearm licence.

Following a tip-off, the police first brought Mr Camilleri in for questioning in September 2004, but was later released after denying complicity in the murder.

Police continued their investigations and finally had a breakthrough, which led them to bring Mr Camilleri in for questioning once again earlier this week, on Thursday. Yesterday, the court heard how Mr Camilleri took investigators to the scene of the crime this week and provided information on how the crime was committed.

Appearing in court yesterday, however, Mr Camilleri filed a not guilty plea.

The defence requested an immediate and full psychological analysis of the accused in order to ascertain the state of his mental health at present, as well as over the last two days while under detention.

The compilation of evidence against Mr Camilleri was set for 18 April, following an analysis by experts. The court ruled that Mr Camilleri is to remain under preventative arrest.

Police are also investigating another individual in connection with the same case.

Police inspector Chris Pullicino prosecuted and Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for the defence. The case was presided over by Magistrate Giovanni Grixti.