The application of a man charged with the double murder of an elderly couple in Santa Lucija for his trial by jury to be postponed indefinitely was yesterday turned down by a Constitutional Court.

Brian Vella, 36, from Santa Lucija, is awaiting trial to face charges in connection with the double murder of an elderly couple in their flat on 10 February 2000.

In his application, Mr Vella had said that his trial has already been dissolved twice and that as a consequence, his presumption of innocence had been seriously prejudiced. He said that the media had given extensive coverage to the trials by jury and people had commented about the case.

As a result, he claimed, his presumption of innocence was undermined because the jurors who could be chosen when his third trial is appointed, could be negatively affected by these comments and these reports.

But the Constitutional Court, presided over by Mr Justice Joseph R. Micallef turned down Mr Vella’s request, saying that the defendant had other means at his disposal which included that of facing the trial and then, if the need arises, appealing the decision.