Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono yesterday morning postponed Brian Vella’s trial by jury indefinitely, pending a judgement from the Constitutional Court, in front of which the defendant filed an application claiming breach of his human rights.

Brian Vella, 35, of Hamrun, is accused of the murder of Gerald, 79, known as Gigi and Josephine Grima, 64, known as Guza, who were found bound and gagged in their Santa Lucia home on 17 February 2000. The murder was said to have taken place on 10 February. Mr Vella’s trial by jury has been dissolved twice.

In his decision, Mr Justice Galea Debono put off the trial by jury indefinitely because of the pending case before the Constitutional Court, on which a decision still has to be handed down. He said it seemed that this case was going to last longer than expected and it would have been better if the trial by jury was put off indefinitely until this case is finalised.

Dr Anglu Farrugia and Dr Kris Busietta are appearing for Mr Vella.